BRABUS Marine is using the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 for the official world premiere of its new Shadow 38 range, introducing two distinct performance versions on the same new-generation platform. The line-up comprises the BRABUS Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin and BRABUS Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin, with both making their public debut in Cannes from 8–13 September.
The range represents the latest stage of the long-running collaboration between Axopar Boats and BRABUS, combining Finnish boatbuilding expertise with the German brand's performance engineering and luxury design approach. BRABUS Marine says the 38-foot platform further develops the proven Axopar 37 foundation while increasing the depth of joint engineering, technology and customisation.
Shadow 1000 brings 1,000 horsepower
At the top of the new range, the BRABUS Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin is powered by two Mercury Racing 500R V8 outboards producing a combined 1,000 horsepower. BRABUS Marine quotes a top speed of nearly 60 knots and positions the model as the more extreme performance interpretation of the Shadow 38 platform.
The emphasis is not limited to outright speed, with the builder also highlighting immediate throttle response, strong acceleration and precise handling as defining characteristics. The Cross Cabin configuration retains an enclosed central living and helm area, allowing the high-performance platform to combine weather protection with the long-distance usability expected from the Shadow series.
Shadow 850 takes the Gran Turismo role
The BRABUS Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin uses twin Mercury 425 V10 outboards for a combined output of 850 horsepower and a stated top speed of up to 55 knots. BRABUS Marine describes this version as the Gran Turismo of the two, placing greater emphasis on refined power delivery, comfort and composed high-speed cruising.
Although both yachts share the same underlying 38-foot architecture, the different propulsion packages give them deliberately different personalities. The 1000 is positioned around maximum performance and intensity, while the 850 is intended to balance speed with the characteristics required for longer journeys and broader everyday use.
More freedom to configure the new platform
One of the main changes introduced with the Shadow 38 generation is a greater degree of modular configurability. BRABUS Marine says owners will have more freedom to tailor layouts, materials and design details while keeping the fundamental performance, safety and usability of the shared platform intact.
That flexibility sits alongside the familiar BRABUS treatment of the exterior and interior, including premium upholstery, detailed finishes and brand-specific design elements. The company is also placing increased emphasis on technology and intuitive onboard movement, with the new generation intended to combine strong visual identity with practical solutions rather than treating styling and functionality as separate priorities.
Cannes begins the Shadow 38 public programme
The full range is receiving its official world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 8–13 September 2026, while BRABUS's current show material confirms the marine division at Port Canto with a special premiere. That makes Cannes the first public stage for the new generation after BRABUS Marine previewed the project to media in Mallorca earlier in the year.
The Shadow 38 programme then moves to the Monaco Yacht Show from 23–26 September, extending the new range's Mediterranean debut through a second major September event. For BRABUS Marine, the two-model launch establishes a new entry point into its high-performance portfolio while preserving the choice between the more aggressive Shadow 1000 and the long-distance character of the Shadow 850.