German automakers like Mercedes-Benz have all but declared war on Tesla. Launching new EVs, like the Mercedes EQE and EQS, will help lure customers away from the Californian carmaker but there's another key area to focus on and that's autonomous driving. Speaking to media this past week, Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius said his company will launch Level 3 autonomous driving in the US sometime this year. The technology previously received the stamp of approval in Germany.

"It's our objective to roll out this technology this year," Kallenius said. The carmaker has been performing tests in the US and, equally important, is working directly with government authorities to assure things move along properly.

This appears to be a different approach than that of Tesla, which has had a difficult relationship with US government bodies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tesla's Autopilot is currently under investigation and the feds have also expressed concerns over the safety of the more advanced Full Self-Driving system. Both systems are rated at Level 2 self-driving, meaning the driver is required to keep their hands on the wheel at all times and be prepared to take immediate control if necessary.

Level 3 allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and, in some cases, even their eyes off the road. They still must be prepared to take back vehicle control at any moment. Mercedes' self-driving tech, called Drive Pilot, can operate at up to 37 mph on some German highways and in traffic jams.

Kallenius confirmed drivers are able to engage in "certain secondary activities" like sending emails or even watching movies. No mention has been made regarding video gameplay. The S-Class and EQS with Drive Pilot will first be made available to German customers by this summer. Mercedes is also holding discussions with Chinese officials about adding the tech there as well.

Of course, Mercedes is not the only carmaker pursuing Level 3 approval. Volvo, for example, will begin testing its own system, called Ride Pilot, this year in California. Upon approval, it'll be available via a subscription on its upcoming new US-built EV.