Boat logo

The global authority in superyachting

Pershing 8X exterior profile showing sleek aerodynamic design and carbon fibre hull

7 images

All images courtesy of Pershing

The sleekest of speed demons: How the Pershing 8X is raising the bar for performance at sea

4 August 2026 • Written by Georgia Tindale for Pershing

Reaching speeds of 48 knots while delivering the comfort and space of a mini-superyacht, the Pershing 8X is a 25.5-metre performance cruiser that refuses to compromise. BOAT takes a closer look at what makes this high-performance cruiser stand out.

First introduced in 2019, the Pershing 8X sits at the heart of the Italian shipyard's high-performance X Generation range, bridging the gap between the brand’s smaller models and its larger flagship yachts, focusing on sleek styling, performance and ultra-fast Mediterranean cruising.

At 25.5 metres, it combines the speed and sporty handling the brand is known for with the comfort and space of a mini-superyacht. Thanks to a lightweight construction, the Pershing 8X delivers exhilarating speeds of up to 48 knots, harnessing cutting-edge engineering and advanced technology and combining it with contemporary comfort.

Ultra-sporty design

A striking design on the water, the Pershing 8X embodies the evolution of the brand’s ‘X Generation’ philosophy, featuring even sleeker and more aerodynamic lines than its predecessors, enhancing its sporty profile.

As one of the yacht’s most distinctive innovations, the staircase to the sport flybridge is cleverly integrated into Pershing's signature side wing, preserving the yacht's clean lines while freeing up deck space. The sport-fly layout combines the dynamic character of a performance yacht with generous outdoor spaces dedicated to relaxation.

The helm station, developed in collaboration with Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau, is a standout design feature for the yacht, with premium leather finishes, ample seating and a pillarless windscreen to maximise visibility.

Comfort without compromise

The Pershing 8X has certainly been designed with speed in mind, with particular attention to the use of lightweight materials. Notwithstanding its performance-oriented DNA, however, it also offers guests remarkably generous volumes, with approximately 50 square metres of open living space on the main deck and over two metres of headroom throughout the yacht.

Accommodating eight guests across a total of four staterooms, the lower deck is arranged in a four-cabin layout centred around a spacious full-beam owner’s suite of approximately 20 square metres. This comes complete with a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom and enhanced acoustic insulation to ensure a peaceful stay.

Furthermore, the separation between guest and crew areas has been carefully designed to maximise privacy and comfort on board.

Endless entertainment

It is clear when stepping on board the Pershing 8X that guest entertainment is one of its true priorities. The cockpit, platform on the sea area, foredeck lounge and sport flybridge create multiple flexible social spaces which are designed to maximise relaxation, dining and entertainment.

The redesigned sport-flybridge benefits from the relocation of the access staircase, providing approximately 15 square metres of space dedicated entirely to leisure, including expansive sunbathing and lounge areas.

Advanced technology for top performance

Delivering pulse-racing speeds of over 48 knots, it would be remiss not to discuss the Pershing 8X’s performance credentials.

Powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines, coupled with TopSystem surface drives, the Pershing 8X reaches a top speed of 48 knots. Its lightweight construction also has a part to play, improving the yacht’s efficiency, reducing its fuel consumption and enhancing the overall performance.

Effortless navigation

In addition, an advanced integrated platform combines propulsion, manoeuvring, navigation and monitoring systems into a single intuitive interface, providing owners and captains with the most straightforward possible driving experience.

A flexible vessel to operate, the Pershing 8X’s optional EasySet package optimises trim and navigation performance automatically, while still allowing full manual control when desired. The innovative joystick control for surface-drive propulsion and the Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) significantly simplify manoeuvring, docking operations and station keeping, even in the most challenging conditions.

The Pershing 8X is designed to provide the thrill of high-speed navigation while making handling more accessible and user-friendly.

A pleasure to travel at pace

In short, the Pershing 8X demonstrates how cutting-edge engineering, advanced technology and contemporary luxury can coexist in a yacht capable of delivering exhilarating performance without ever sacrificing comfort, space or ease of use.

What makes the Pershing 8X stand out from the crowd is its ability to pair this adrenaline-fuelled performance with cutting-edge technology, including integrated navigation and manoeuvring systems that make high-speed cruising more intuitive, precise and, most importantly, enjoyable for those on board.

As Giordano Pellacani, chief commercial officer of Ferretti Group, explains: “The Pershing 8X was conceived for owners who want to experience the pure thrill of driving a high-performance yacht. By combining lightweight construction, powerful propulsion and advanced integrated systems, we have created a vessel that delivers exceptional speed and precision while remaining intuitive and pleasurable to operate. It is a perfect expression of Pershing's relentless pursuit of innovation and performance.”

Find out more about the Pershing 8X here.

Sponsored content created for Pershing