This study investigates the impact of AI NPC behavioral realism and surrounding environment visibility on user experience in a VR autonomous driving scenario. The findings provide perspectives on how immersive environmental elements—such as the behavioral dynamics of AI NPCs and the visibility of the surrounding environment—may shape user responses including presence, flow, trust, self-reported trust, anthropomorphism, attitude, and intention to use. These results underscore the importance of carefully designed immersive environments and suggest considerations for the development of AI NPCs to enhance user experience in autonomous vehicle contexts.