BRABUS made its name creating high-performance German road cars, and the Bottrop marque has now brought that same appetite for speed and precision to the water. Built in collaboration with Sunreef Yachts, the BRABUS Marine Ultima 55 is a 17-metre catamaran with a carbon fibre exterior, twin 725 hp six-cylinder engines and an advanced hydrofoil system that allows it to reach more than 40 knots. At anchor, its folding aft platforms expand the beam from 5.6 to 7.6 metres, creating an impressive open-air space for entertaining.
The yacht has been created around BRABUS’ ‘One Second Wow’ philosophy, an idea centred on making an immediate impression through design, performance and attention to detail. In collaboration with Sunreef Yachts, that thinking has been taken beyond the road and onto the open water, pairing the spaciousness of a multihull with the agility of a modern monohull yacht.
A partnership with plenty of horsepower
The ULTIMA 55 brings together two distinct strengths. Sunreef Yachts contributes its experience in multihull design and construction, while BRABUS brings the performance, materials and visual character that have defined its automotive work. The collaboration was first announced as a strategic partnership between the two brands, with the ULTIMA 55 forming the foundation for their new line of luxury motor catamarans.
The yacht was designed to feel equally at home at speed and at anchor, with the ‘One Second Wow’ running through everything from its carbon fibre exterior to the way its outdoor spaces transform once the yacht settles into the water.
Carbon fibre meets the open water
Visually, the ULTIMA 55 delivers that sense of impact immediately, its exterior is finished in Graphite Black, with exposed carbon fibre front and rear wings framing the profile. Illuminated BRABUS logos sit within the pillars, while ventilation trims run along the port and starboard sides.
A custom roof rack provides space for water toys and tenders, while carbon fibre LED roof lights offer practical illumination after dark and create a distinctive signature across the water. Custom exterior upholstery is available in BRABUS Graphite, BRABUS Red and BRABUS Pearl, adding another layer of personalisation.
Power beneath the surface
Power comes from two 10.8 litre six cylinder engines, each rated at 533 kW, or 725 hp, which together push the catamaran past 40 knots. Fuel capacity stands at 1,500 litres and a 10.5 kW generator covers power at anchor. Figures of this order on a 17 metre multihull put the Ultima 55 among the quicker cruising catamarans afloat.
The hydrofoil system is the more interesting part of the story. Lift created below the surface raises the hulls higher out of the water, which cuts drag and reduces heel to almost nothing. Owners used to the slap and pitch of a conventional cat at speed should feel the difference straight away, particularly in a short chop, where the ride feels closer to flying than motoring.
A supercar for the sea
The BRABUS influence continues inside, where premium materials and precise detailing create a distinctly automotive feel. Seats and sofas are trimmed in BRABUS Moonstone Masterpiece leather with the marque’s Triangle stitching, Alcantara lines the ceiling, and exposed carbon fibre appears on the helm station, helm seats and trim pieces. Aluminium accents run through the floor with lit logos, and the ambient lighting can be adjusted to suit the mood.
The helm is centred around a widescreen navigation and control station, bringing navigation, vessel monitoring and onboard functions into a single interface. It keeps the technology within easy reach while preserving the clean lines of the interior.
The saloon has been designed with entertaining in mind. The galley includes an induction hob, electric oven, sink, refrigeration, ice makers and built-in storage, while a 43-inch television rises electronically from the countertop when required. Height-adjustable tables allow the space to move between dining, socialising and a more open layout, with a Bowers & Wilkins Marine Series sound system completing the experience.
Designed around the One Second Wow
The best trick sits at the stern. Folding platforms drop on both sides, taking the beam from 5.6 metres out to 7.6 metres and turning the aft deck into a much larger open terrace. Roughly two extra metres of width makes a real difference on a yacht of this size.
The furniture shifts with the occasion, as a large transformer sunpads fold into settees for upright seating, an extending carbon fibre table serves dinner before retracting to free up deck space, and wet bar modules with preparation, storage and service functions sit within easy reach. An electric barbecue grill rounds off the aft area, while a big central sunpad at the bow keeps sunbathing well away from the entertaining.
Two layouts are offered. The standard version has one master suite, one VIP stateroom and one crew cabin, sleeping four guests and one crew member. The alternative fits three guest cabins alongside the crew cabin, taking guest capacity up to six.
Made for life on the water
Fast catamarans have been gaining ground for a while, and the Ultima 55 arrives with a clear pitch. Shallow draft, foil assisted comfort and a beam that expands on demand suit the Mediterranean day boat pattern well, where the run out is quick and the stop is long.
Whether the marque’s road car following carries over to the water will be settled by the order book. What the yacht already shows is that a catamaran can be quick, flat and easy to spot at 500 metres, without giving up the space that drew owners to two hulls in the first place.