This Brabus boat is seriously fast! - Brabus Shadow XC900

Revealed in 2020 after the Shadow 900 Spyder and Sun-Top, the XC Cross Cabin is the enclosed member of BRABUS Marine’s 37-foot family. The collaboration combines Finnish builder Axopar’s platform with BRABUS design and interior finishing; Jarkko Jämsén worked with the BRABUS design team. The XC subsequently won the Sports Utility Vessels category at the 2022 Motor Boat Awards.

The 11.73-metre boat has a 3.35-metre beam and a quoted draft to the propellers of 0.85 metres. Its planing GRP hull shares the Axopar 37’s twin-step geometry, sharp entry and 20-degree V section. Published specifications give approximately 4,500 kg excluding engines. Certification distinguishes between a maximum of ten people in Category B offshore conditions and twelve in Category C coastal conditions.

Inside, the wheelhouse accommodates seven seated occupants, with a dining area behind the helm, large windows, side doors and an opening roof. The forward lounge provides a double berth and gullwing access to the foredeck. A toilet is provided, while a separately enclosed compartment was optional. A second double cabin can replace the open aft-deck arrangement; alternative modules include a wet bar or dedicated equipment storage.

Propulsion comes from two Mercury Racing 450R Verado XL outboards: supercharged 4.6-litre V8 four-strokes producing 900 hp combined. XC-specific specifications quote more than 55 knots and typical fast cruising around 40 knots. Trade-A-Boat reported 61 knots during its Australian trial, illustrating the influence of loading and conditions. Fuel capacity is 730 litres; dealer-supplied figures published with that review indicate approximately 101 litres per hour at 31.2 knots and a theoretical 224-nautical-mile range before reserve.

The helm combines twin 12-inch Simrad displays with Mercury Joystick Piloting, Skyhook position holding and autopilot. Available upgrades include additional navigation screens, radar, AIS, carbon-fibre detailing and a television installation. Heating, air-conditioning and additional battery capacity appear on equipped examples. These features support coastal cruising in changing weather, while the forward lounging space and configurable aft deck retain the model’s day-boat and chase-boat functions.

Evolution has concentrated on finishes, equipment and accommodation choices rather than a single fixed specification. Black Ops, Deep Blue and Stealth Green Signature Editions provide distinct treatments, with Stealth Green introduced in January 2023. Upgrades announced for the 2024 season included revised sunbeds and seats, additional upholstery colours, two leather interior schemes, JL Audio equipment and an optional carbon-fibre roof lightbar. Consequently, cabin count, deck furniture, electronics and climate equipment need checking against each boat’s original build specification.