Brabus has been producing powerboats since 2018, when the Shadow 800, developed in partnership with Finnish builder Axopar, debuted at the Düsseldorf boot show. Catamarans are new territory though. The Ultima 55, built by Polish yard Sunreef Yachts on its existing Ultima platform, is Brabus's first multihull, with the German brand supplying the styling, branding and interior detailing rather than building the boat itself.
Twin engines producing 725 hp each add up to a claimed combined output of 1,450 hp, enough for a top speed over 40 knots. Sunreef says the hull is foil-assisted, meaning the foils generate lift as the boat gathers speed without lifting the hulls clear of the water. According to the builder, that lift reduces drag and is designed to improve stability and comfort across "a variety of sea conditions," though no independent test has been published to back that up.
The styling draws on Brabus's automotive work: exposed carbon fibre, lit-up Brabus badging, Brabus Masterpiece leather trim inside, and a choice of Graphite Black or Phantom Grey paint, in keeping with the look already familiar from the Shadow powerboat range. Two side platforms lower to widen the aft deck, opening up space for a beach club setup with sunpads, a wet bar and an electric barbecue. Buyers get a choice of two cabin layouts, a four-guest version with an owner's suite and VIP cabin, or a six-guest three-cabin version, both with separate crew quarters.
On the New Zealand front, Ocean Independence is the local representative for Sunreef Yachts, while Brabus Marine's NZ partner is The Marina Brokerage, working with Eyachts.
