Brabus Shadow 900 Boat Preview

An Introduction BRABUS Shadow 900 XC Cross Cabin: The Latest Superboat

Due to make it’s first appearance at Düsseldorf Boat Show in January 2021, the distinctive-looking BRABUS Shadow 900 XC Cross Cabin is the latest incarnation of this accomplished range of superboats. Following hot on the heels of the BRABUS Shadow 900 Sun-Top and Spyder versions launched earlier this year, the enclosed XC Cross Cabin is more suited to our northern waters. As with the Sun-Top, there is also a special ‘Black Ops’ version, of which only 37 will be built.

With a staggering 900hp power delivery from a pair of Mercury’s latest 450R 4.6L V8 Verados, this 4.5-tonne 60-knot boat will have few close rivals. Though similar to the Axopar 37, the Shadow 900 has had hours of R&D, CFD test data analyses, hull visualisations and sea trials invested in it. It has a twin-stepped hull with a transom deadrise angle of 20 degrees, producing a capable and comfortable boat with a blistering 50-knot cruising speed.

Brabus branded Mercury Racing outboards

Cutting-Edge Technology and Design

Its engines have the benefit of Joystick Piloting for easy berthing, and at just 320kg a piece, these outboards are by far the lightest in their class. They are exclusively branded with Mercury Racing carbon-fibre accent panels on the engine top covers. In the case of the Black Ops version, this exclusive model goes through a painstaking and highly labour-intensive finishing process to create a glass-like finish. This involves extensive fairing, painting and polishing by hand – a process that can take up to six weeks.

BRABUS have developed an all-new, clean and ergonomic helm, with a full glass bridge information display based upon two 12in screens, with a ‘BRABUS User-Interface’. This offers a selection of driver-orientated sport modes and improved all-round visibility, whether standing or seated. Everything on the dashboard is close to hand. Touch screen technology with selected backlit switches and a newly developed multifunction steering wheel with fingertip controls make this a striking-looking console. An optional extended navigation package extends the glass bridge/information display with two additional 9in screens, Wi-Fi, on-board 4G connectivity and a BRABUS lock box.

Brabus Shadow 900 spacious cabin

Luxury Accommodations and Options

Topside upholstery in the Black Ops is a vibrant red, superbly finished and stitched in BRABUS’s own waterproof special ‘sports fabric’. All decking is of a carbon composite construction, enhancing the rigidity of the boat while reducing weight. Below deck it has a big fore cabin, accessed via gull wing doors amidships. There is also an optional enclosed toilet compartment. If you do not opt for an enclosed toilet, the option is an under-settee toilet on the starboard side.

Featuring grey and black leather with red accents and stitching

Upholstered in grey and black leather with red accents and stitching, the front cabin with a queen-size bed has a sense of space and luxury one would expect in a bigger boat. Overnighting can be enhanced with an optional integrated ‘infotainment unit’ comprising a 42in flat screen 4K TV and Fusion hi-fi, to mention just a couple of the entertainment choices. There is the option of an aft cabinet in the same vein as the Axopar 37, accessed through lifting the centre section of the rear bench seat. It gives the boat an extra double berth, though this ‘tomb-like’ cabin sitting under the sunbed will often get used for storing waterskis and wetsuits.

With the BRABUS being hugely bespoke, the options list is sizeable, as can be the price.