World premiere on the Côte d’Azur: The luxury motor yacht “Arrow460–Granturismo” designed by Mercedes-Benz Style has embarked on its maiden voyage off the coast of Nice. The first example of this new yacht model is named “Mercedes”, and true to the tradition of the name it founds a completely new boat concept. The 14-metre long, 706 kW (960 hp) “Silver Arrow of the Seas” combines the performance of Mercedes-Benz sports cars with unique innovations from the boat industry. The yacht has classic automobile proportions that bring the hallmark Mercedes design idiom of sensual purity onto the water in a highly emotional and dynamic form. The yacht also combines the advantages of an open boat with those of a hull cabin cruiser in unique fashion. Its crossover design offers the ultimate in variability, resulting in a boat that is equally suitable for day trips and overnight stays on board.
Mercedes-Benz Style also makes the modern luxury for which the brand is known tangible beyond the world of the automobile. Since 2010, Mercedes-Benz designers working with selected partners have been developing exclusive products which have transported the high quality standards and unmistakable design philosophy of sensual purity into other mobility and lifestyle areas. As in vehicle development, they are guided by their passion for uniqueness.
“In developing the new motor yacht, we have transferred our expertise to the marine industry, creating something never seen before in the process. The ‘Silver Arrow of the Seas’ stands for modern luxury, avant-garde style and comfortable elegance. The yacht embodies the Mercedes-Benz’s progressive, dynamic design philosophy of sensual purity on the water. Or, to put it another way, it is hot and cool in one, and stands for emotion and intelligence,” said Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG. “Together with Silver Arrows Marine we have managed to develop a totally new boat concept. By virtue of maximum variability, the yacht combines the advantages of an open boat with the generous interior and privacy of a cabin cruiser. It weds charismatic design with perfect functionality, much in the same way as is familiar from our road vehicles. As such, the ‘Arrow460–Granturismo’ is sure to cause a stir on the seas and at marinas throughout the world in the coming years.”
Silver Arrows Marine Chairman Ron Gibbs said: “Almost everything about Arrow460-Granturismo is unique, from its concept to the smallest bespoke detail. It is a motor yacht with a personality that truly embraces life, combining the best marine engineering with the inspired innovations and elegance that the world associates with the Mercedes-Benz name. By merging marine and automotive worlds, with their respective design language, technologies and ideas, we have created a new standard of motor yacht, unlike all others.”
New form of boat concept with innovative interior and harmonious exterior
The 14-metre long, 706 kW (960 hp) luxury motor yacht “Arrow460–Granturismo” can accommodate up to 10 persons. The large side windows are retractable, and the windscreen can be raised. This means that passengers can sit comfortably in the interior while enjoying an all-round view and the feeling of sitting in the open. Tables and beds are extendable, and therefore available as and when required. Superior comfort is assured by a luxurious bathroom unit and separate dressing room. As standard the yacht is equipped with every feature an owner might wish for. Apart from an air conditioning system and a high-quality audio system, it has a “wine-cellar” and an ice-making machine.
Mercedes-Benz Style’s innovative aspirations also embrace the choice of materials. Wood serves to line the entire interior, rather than using this material as a conventional floor covering. As a result of this three-dimensional application of wood, the fine grain of the eucalyptus follows the overarching forms of the interior lining, underscoring the overall flow of the interior.
The floor covering takes the form of an industrial, sustainable composite material featuring a specific flowing décor and a harmonious colour combination.
The glazing is unique in two respects: the luminous transmittance can be controlled electronically, along the same lines as the Mercedes-Benz Magic Sky technology; at the same time, the silver-shimmering glazing blends apparently seamlessly into the overall profile, as on the Mercedes-Benz concept vehicles F015 and Concept IAA. This avant-garde appearance underscores the sculptural and innovative character of the Arrow460-Granturismo.
The exterior design boasts clear contours and smooth surfaces. In a dynamic and sophisticated way, the muscular, extended hull accentuates the sensual purity of the design. With its long foredeck, a flowing, arched roofline and a slightly descending rear, the yacht has classic automobile proportions. The sides of the hull are structured with a feature line descending gently towards the stern. The concave and convex interaction along the entire flank creates a highly sculptural hull that conveys both dynamism and serenity. The overall composition is accentuated by elegantly styled yet functional details. Great attention has been paid to the handrails, for example, which are perfectly integrated into the roofline.
Technical data of the Arrow460-Granturismo
- Total length 14.14 metres
- Hull length 13.85 metres
- Draught 0.93 metres
- Maximum boat width 3.97 metres
- Maximum displacement 13.58 tonnes
- Fuel tank capacity 1200 litres
- Water tank capacity 500 litres
- Drive system 2 Yanmar 6LY3-ETP diesel engines, each rated at 353 kW (480 hp)
- Cruising speed 28 to 30 knots (in calm seas)
- Top speed 40+ knots (with light load)
- Design category Class B