My (limited) impression is that automakers treat software as a second class citizen in the automotive experience (so far).

At some point they're going to have to realize that the "Apple experience" matters for consumers and they should make the UX both usable and reliable.

At least one would hope this happens. Most likely one will, and then if it catches on with buyers as a purchasing decision then the others will hop on to try to remain competitive.

ironically, this is also GM's first vehicle where they've dumped apple and embraced (another) new google car operating system: https://www.reuters.com/technology/gm-plans-phase-out-apple-...

maybe google just considers it a beta?

This may be more widespread than automakers. I've read that any programming done in support of hardware is treated as second class.