Electrified Speedboat? Why Yes Please, With a Side of Sass
Let's for just a short moment talk about the latest trend taking over the world of high-performance toys – electric boats. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of silent cruising and zero emissions, but when you mix in ludicrous horsepower… well, I love it even more! I guess the folks at some companies just can't escape their need for speed, or have been silently snooping on my late night prayers.
Case in point: ABT and Marian. You know ABT, right? Those German wizards that make ordinary Audis and Volkswagens into fire-breathing track monsters. Now they've decided to ditch asphalt and try their hand at watercraft. And let's just say they haven't exactly dipped a toe in; no, they've cannonballed straight into the deep end with the ABT-Marian M 800-R.
This thing packs a whopping 603 horsepower (450 kW). In a boat. Not like one of those big cigarette-looking offshore racers, either – this is a 26-footer (7-meter) with an open bowrider layout. Think of it as a Porsche 911 morphed into a floating sun lounger, with more horsepower than most supercars. Oh, and a price tag of around $485,000 in US dollars. Did I mention this is before taxes?
Marian (German electric boat manufacturer - not your friendly Polish plumber) is the one doing most of the heavy lifting, so maybe the power figure shouldn't be so shocking. They already make electric boats, and their M 800 Spyder model is the foundation for this special ABT-ified version.
But the ABT treatment is… let's just call it 'unmistakable'. The whole interior looks like it's been dipped in blood-red leather and Alcantara. There's a fancy illuminated steering wheel, some kind of super-screen for all the stats you need when water skiing with 600-plus horses behind you, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system blasting your tunes into the open sea. They've even added underwater lights. Because of course, you totally need those.
Let's drool over the performance figures though, as that's what ABT's really obsessed with. This electric monster will hit a top speed of 53 mph (85 km/h), which honestly sounds absolutely terrifying on the water. At that speed, a rogue wave feels like hitting a brick wall. Of course, they've added special cooling systems to the electric powertrain to make sure all that speed doesn't create a lovely floating bonfire.
Thankfully, they've thought about range too. You'll get about 50 miles (80 km) at a leisurely cruising pace, and when you run out of juice there's a 150-kW CCS fast charger to top you back up in under an hour. A 22-kW onboard charger is there for those times when you only have regular outlets handy.
Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to make of the ABT-Marian M 800-R. It's excessive, it's extravagant, and with its eye-watering price tag, it's incredibly exclusive. But it's also undeniably cool and, despite my usual cynicism about these sorts of projects, it has definitely piqued my interest. Will this replace the growl of an AMG V8 on a sunny afternoon? Unlikely. But would I take it for a spin if I had the chance? You bet I would. The real question though, is: Would I ever give it back after the test drive? I guess there’s only one way to find out…
