Once the sole milieu of science fiction films like Minority Report, the self-driving car is moving closer to reality as Tesla’s Autopilot for the Model S attests. Recently announced by the electrifying marque, the autopilot hardware—while hardly hands-free—enhances driver safety with integrated warning systems and automated environmental responses for proactive protection.

Now standard, the package includes front-mounted radar, an electric-assist braking system, and 12 ultrasonic sensors that cast a 16-foot…