BRABUS Marine Brings the Shadow 38 to Cannes, Split Between 850 and 1,000 Horsepower

BRABUS Marine has introduced the Shadow 38, a new 38 foot powerboat platform developed with Axopar and offered in two power configurations. The Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin produces 850 horsepower and the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin produces 1,000 horsepower, both built on the same hull, layout and design language. The range makes its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival, September 8 to 13, 2026.

The split is the real news. Where most builders sell one hull with an engine upgrade as an option, BRABUS Marine is presenting the Shadow 850 and Shadow 1000 as two distinct driving characters wearing the same silhouette. The 850, powered by twin Mercury Verado 425 V10 outboards, is framed as the Gran Turismo of the range: composed at speed, built for long days on the water. The 1,000, running twin Mercury Racing 500R V8 outboards, is positioned as the unfiltered version, tuned for acceleration and outright pace rather than range.

On paper the gap between the two is wide. The 850 reaches a claimed 55 knots on 625 kW, or 850 horsepower, from its V10 outboards, tuned for smooth, predictable response across conditions. The 1,000 climbs to 60 knots on 735 kW, or 1,000 horsepower, from its V8 racing outboards, with the immediate throttle response BRABUS positions as the model's defining trait. Both engines come from Mercury, but the choice between a naturally balanced V10 and a Racing spec V8 is what actually separates the two boats, not badge or trim level.

One hull, two prices

Both boats share the same versatility. Exposed carbon fiber elements run across the exterior, a BRABUS steering wheel and twin Simrad multifunction displays anchor the helm, and newly available premium marine upholstery brings a lighter, warmer feel drawn from larger yachts. Deck arrangements are configurable for watersports, entertaining or overnight stays, with optional activity platforms, adaptable aft deck layouts, integrated wet bar solutions and added storage.

Pricing tracks the engine gap. The Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin starts at €399,000 and the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin at €469,500, before shipping, handling, commissioning, taxes and fees. The €70,500 difference maps roughly to the extra 150 horsepower and the move to racing spec outboards, which reads less like a trim upgrade and more like two separate products sharing a mold.

Cannes first, Monaco next

The Shadow 38 range makes its world premiere at Stand 160 in Port Canto during the Cannes Yachting Festival, with the Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin leading the debut. It then travels to the Monaco Yacht Show, September 23 to 26, where it shows alongside the largest builds in the sector rather than the day boat category it technically belongs to.

That second stop is the tell. Putting a 38 foot day boat on the Monaco stand puts BRABUS Marine's next generation in front of the buyers who commission the yachts the Shadow 38 is designed to tender for, not just the buyers shopping for a weekend boat. The Shadow 38 answers a question builders increasingly face: sell one hull with an options list, or two boats with distinct identities. BRABUS Marine has chosen the second path, and priced it accordingly.