BMW iDrive 8 to make world debut on March 15

MUNICH: BMW's iDrive has been around in one form or another for the past 20 years. It's time for the next evolution.

The new-generation BMW iDrive 8 will be revealed on March 15 in an online world premiere.

The first iDrive showed up on the E65/E66 7 Series in 2001.

The upcoming one was previewed in the BMW iX last November. It is smarter than ever. The end goal of iDrive 8 is to be able to use the full potential of a connected vehicle to make it an ever safer and more enjoyable means of transport.

Thanks to new sensors and increased digital intelligence, certain driving and parking tasks are expected to be automated.

The system will enable greater communication with the outside world for car and driver to be informed in real time of traffic conditions or potential incidents along the route.

It will also be able to receive and display hazard warnings from other BMW models equipped with iDrive.

You can follow the March 15 world premiere live at www.live.bmwgroup.com.