There are many ways to arrive at the beach. You can drive a sports car, fly in by helicopter or, if you have become sufficiently bored with ordinary methods of transportation, arrive in a 55.8 foot catamaran doing more than 40 knots. This is precisely where the BRABUS ULTIMA 55 enters the picture. Created through a collaboration between BRABUS and Sunreef Yachts, it takes the basic idea of a luxury multihull and gives it the sort of attitude normally associated with something wearing a BRABUS badge and four enormous wheels. It is 17 metres long, 5.6 metres wide and combines the spaciousness of a catamaran with the agility of a modern monohull. In other words, it is a floating BRABUS, which is probably the only sensible explanation for why it looks as though someone has taken a supercar, removed the road and replaced it with the Mediterranean.
Carbon Fibre Gives The Catamaran A Proper BRABUS Attitude
The exterior of the ULTIMA 55 is dominated by an exclusive carbon fibre concept and BRABUS’ signature Graphite Black design. Exposed carbon fibre appears on the front and rear wings, while the pillars carry illuminated BRABUS logos and ventilation trims sit on both the port and starboard sides. A custom roof rack and carbon fibre LED roof lights add another layer of visual drama while providing functional illumination. The exterior upholstery can be specified in BRABUS Graphite, BRABUS Red or BRABUS Pearl, ensuring that even the seating looks as though it has escaped from a particularly expensive supercar.
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1,450 Horsepower And A Hydrofoil Trick
The ULTIMA 55 is powered by two 10.8 litre six cylinder engines, each producing 533 kW or 725 hp. Combined, that means 1,450 hp is being sent towards the water, enough to push the luxury catamaran beyond 40 knots. But the real trick is the advanced hydrofoil system beneath the surface. It generates lift, raising the hulls higher above the water and reducing drag. The result is virtually zero heel, improved efficiency, greater stability and a smoother ride, creating the rather unusual sensation that the yacht is flying above the water rather than travelling through it.
The Interior Looks More Supercar Than Superyacht
Inside the saloon, BRABUS has borrowed heavily from the design language of its automobiles. Seating surfaces, seats and sofas are finished in BRABUS Moonstone Masterpiece leather and feature the brand’s Triangle stitching pattern, while Alcantara covers the ceiling. Exposed carbon fibre appears across the helm station, helm seats and individual trim components, while the flooring incorporates aluminium accents and illuminated BRABUS logos. Bespoke ambient lighting runs throughout the saloon and can be adjusted to create different atmospheres.
At the helm, a widescreen navigation and control station combines navigation data, vessel monitoring and onboard functions into a centralised interface. The system has been designed for intuitive operation, with key systems controlled directly through a single display featuring a dedicated BRABUS user interface.
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A Floating Kitchen With A Television That Rises From The Counter
The saloon is not short of toys. Its fully equipped galley includes an induction cooktop, electric oven, sink, refrigerators, ice makers and integrated storage compartments. Then there is the 43 inch saloon television, which is hidden within the countertop until an electric lifting mechanism raises it into position. Height adjustable tables allow the interior to switch between dining, socialising and open space, while a Bowers & Wilkins Marine Series sound system provides the soundtrack.
The Aft Deck Is Where The Party Happens
The aft deck serves as the primary outdoor living area and has a rather clever party trick of its own. Lateral folding platforms on both sides can be lowered to increase the beam from 18.4 feet or 5.6 metres to 24.9 feet or 7.6 metres, dramatically expanding the open air space at the stern.
Large transformer sunpads form the centrepiece of the relaxation area and can fold into settees when more upright seating is required. An extendable carbon fibre table can be used for dining or socialising before being retracted to free up deck space. There is also an electric barbecue grill and wet bar modules with integrated preparation, storage and service functions, positioned for easy access from the seating and dining areas. At the bow, another large central sunpad provides a quieter open air retreat away from the main entertainment zone.
Two Accommodation Layouts For Life At Sea
BRABUS offers two accommodation configurations for the ULTIMA 55. The standard arrangement features one master suite, one VIP stateroom and one crew cabin, accommodating four guests and one crew member. The alternative layout provides three guest cabins and one crew cabin, increasing capacity to six guests and one crew member. Curated wood veneers and carbon fibre accents continue the contemporary design language throughout the accommodation areas, creating a more refined retreat below deck.
The Numbers Are As Serious As The Styling
The BRABUS ULTIMA 55 measures 55.8 feet or 17 metres in length, with an 18.4ft or 5.6m beam that expands to 24.9ft or 7.6m when the lateral platforms are deployed. Maximum draft is 4.6 feet or 1.4 metres. Its twin 10.8 litre six cylinder engines each produce 533 kW or 725 hp, while top speed exceeds 40 knots. Fuel capacity stands at 1,500 litres and the yacht carries a 10.5 kW generator. Classification is B 12 / C 20, while accommodation is configured for either four or six guests, with one crew berth.
The BRABUS ULTIMA 55, then, is not merely a luxury catamaran wearing an expensive badge. It is BRABUS applying its familiar obsession with carbon fibre, leather, power and theatrical design to something that happens to float. And judging by the numbers, it does not merely float. It gets on with the business of flying across the water.
