Alpine Underground

Style, performance, and character—all qualities that encompass BMW’s X5 sport activity vehicle.  Alpine chose the X5 to showcase their very best mobile audio and video systems that truly define these qualities.   Designed to appeal to the discriminating enthusiast, this system is attractive to look at, exciting to listen to, and easy to live with since it retains full use of the interior space.  Alpine’s X5 is a show-stopper, with something for everyone—from the full-tilt audio/video system to the custom exterior mods.  Let’s take a guided tour of this elegant vehicle to show you why it’s such a hit.

A full Dolby Digital 5.1 DVD system is the heart of this simple yet elegant system, provided by the PXA-H900 Multimedia Manager.  Digital signals emerge from the DVA7996 in-dash DVD/tuner, linked optically to the PXA-H900 to preserve the audio quality of all source material.  A TME-M790 motorized monitor joins the DVD/tuner in a custom-built fiberglass dash insert, finished in aluminum-look matte silver.  Since a center channel is so important for a 5.1 system, an SPX-F13M speaker system (with a second midrange) joins the top of this custom dash panel.  This is the first of a full complement of X-series separates strategically located throughout the interior to produce a real in-car theater effect.  SPX-F17M’s reside in the factory door locations, with two more SPX-F13M’s bringing up the rear in the custom amplifier racks.

Speaking of the amplifiers, new MRV-F450 5-channel amps provide the muscle to create spine-tingling dynamic range, from the crisp highs to the lowest impact from the two SWR-1021D 10” subwoofers.  One of these amps, along with a Type-R 10” and an SPX-F13M speaker set, is housed in each side of the rear cargo area in a hand-fabricated housing.  Fiberglass, MDF, and steel were combined to form these attractive panels, and they were finished in BMW Titan Silver to match the handsome exterior.  In total, over 800 watts of pure V-12 power pulse through the veins of this thoroughbred.

No Dolby Digital system worth its weight in DVD’s would be complete without a top-notch video system, and this X5 doesn’t disappoint.  Passengers are sure to be entertained by the multitude of video screens throughout the vehicle, providing wide-screen visuals to match the studio-quality audio.  While the front passengers are checking out the motorized monitor in the dash, folks in the rear get no less than three TMX-R705 motorized overhead screens for their viewing pleasure.  The monitor trio is housed in another custom panel, this one built from steel and ABS plastic, which is also finished in matching exterior silver.  Along with DVD video, these screens can also show the TCS-V430A TV tuner and even an X-Box video game system.  Obviously, Alpine’s X5 is all about entertainment.

The interior has also been subtly enhanced with custom leather coachwork and interior trim that is designed to appeal to the most discriminating tastes.  The door inserts were converted to black leather, and the seats were also re-stitched with two-tone gray and black leather for a beautiful contrast. The carpet was converted from gray to black, and all of the wood trim was refinished with aluminum-look silver matte paint to give it a sporty yet subtle look.  The X5’s German-bred styling is enhanced with a full AC Schnitzer body kit, which further defines the muscular lines this BMW came with from the factory.  Upgraded 22 inch Antera wheels, Dunlop tires, and AC Schnitzer sport suspension complete the package, making this a true high-performance vehicle for the driver who will accept nothing but the best.  Check out Alpine’s BMW X5 at its next show, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.