Brabus Partners With AB Yachts to Launch High-Performance Yacht Lineup

German automotive and lifestyle brand Brabus has announced a significant expansion of its marine division through a new partnership with Italian shipbuilder AB Yachts. This collaboration marks Brabus' foray into a dedicated high-performance yacht lineup, building upon its existing relationships with other marine manufacturers like Axopar and Sunreef Yachts. The inaugural co-designed vessel is set to make its global premiere at the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show in September 2026, a key event for the superyacht industry.

The partnership is founded on the synergistic fusion of Brabus' renowned "One-Second-Wow" design philosophy, characterized by its bold aesthetics and bespoke luxury, with AB Yachts' cutting-edge engineering prowess. AB Yachts, a division of the Next Yacht Group, is celebrated for its expertise in constructing lightweight, high-speed vessels. This includes the application of aerospace-inspired composite materials, advanced hull designs optimized for speed and stability, and sophisticated waterjet propulsion systems. These technologies are capable of propelling AB Yachts' existing models to impressive speeds, with some reaching up to 60 knots (approximately 69 mph or 111 km/h), positioning them among the fastest in their class.

Brabus intends to translate its distinctive automotive design language, often seen in its customized Mercedes-Benz vehicles, to the marine environment. This will manifest in the exterior styling of the yachts, featuring custom color schemes, aggressive lines, and unique detailing. Internally, Brabus' signature touch will be evident in the bespoke furniture, premium upholstery, and meticulously tailored interior finishes, ensuring a level of luxury and personalization synonymous with the Brabus brand. The collaboration aims to offer a unique proposition in the luxury yacht market, appealing to clients who seek both exceptional performance and distinctive, high-impact design.

According to Brabus CEO Constantin Buschmann and Next Yacht Group Deputy Chairman Giorgio Mattei, the strategic alliance is driven by a shared ambition to push the boundaries of traditional yachting. They highlight a mutual commitment to innovation, exhilarating performance, and aggressive design as the core tenets of this venture. The first Brabus x AB Yachts vessel will be unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, scheduled from September 23 to 26, 2026. A second co-designed model is already planned for a premiere in 2027, underscoring the long-term commitment and potential of this partnership to redefine high-performance luxury at sea.