Sunreef Yachts and BRABUS have introduced the BRABUS ULTIMA 55 as the first completed expression of their partnership. Based on the Sunreef ULTIMA platform, the 17-metre power catamaran combines twin 725hp engines, foil assistance and BRABUS exterior and interior detailing rather than functioning as a simple cosmetic edition.
The model is aimed at owners who want the usable beam and living space of a catamaran without accepting conventional multihull performance. Sunreef says the yacht exceeds 40 knots, while foils generate lift as speed rises to reduce drag and improve stability.
Foils support a 40-knot-plus performance target
The ULTIMA hull platform uses foil assistance to reduce the amount of hull surface working through the water as speed increases. Sunreef says this helps lower drag and improve efficiency while also smoothing the ride, which is particularly important when combining a wide multihull platform with high-speed operation.
Twin 725hp engines provide the power for a claimed top speed above 40 knots. The performance figure places the BRABUS version in a very different category from traditional cruising power cats, although real-world speed and consumption will vary with loading, sea state and specification.
BRABUS design goes beyond exterior colour
The yacht is offered in Graphite Black or Phantom Grey with exposed carbon-fibre details, integrated lighting and a more aggressive visual treatment inspired by BRABUS automotive projects. Inside, materials include Moonstone leather, Alcantara, exposed carbon and aluminium accents, continuing the same design language through the saloon and accommodation.
The collaboration also includes premium audio and ambient-lighting systems, but the more important question is whether the styling remains coherent with marine use. Materials and finishes on a yacht have to tolerate heat, salt, ultraviolet exposure and repeated movement in ways that differ significantly from an automotive interior.
Fold-down platforms expand the aft living area
Outdoor living remains central to the ULTIMA concept, with side platforms opening to enlarge the aft deck and improve access to the water. Convertible sunpads, an extendable dining table, wet bar and electric barbecue allow the same area to shift between lounging, dining and waterside use.
A separate forward lounge provides another exterior retreat, helping distribute guests around the yacht instead of concentrating everyone in the cockpit. That separation can be particularly useful on a catamaran because the wide platform gives designers more freedom to create several independent social zones.
Two layouts target different ownership styles
The BRABUS ULTIMA 55 can be configured with an owner’s suite and VIP cabin for four guests or with three cabins for up to six guests. Both arrangements include dedicated crew accommodation, preserving service separation despite the relatively compact overall length.
As the first yacht from the Sunreef and BRABUS collaboration, the 55 is also a statement of intent for future projects. Its success will depend on whether buyers see value in combining a recognised automotive-performance brand with a specialist catamaran platform rather than treating the partnership as branding alone.
