Sanlorenzo SX120: the Queen of crossover yachts

In 2017, when Italian Sanlorenzo built its first crossover yacht, the SX88, even her creators could not imagine that nine years later the line would expand to five models with the largest of them being over 36 metres 

There are a lot of yachts of the same type. While this is primarily true of smaller boats, a lot of manufacturers of 30 to 40-meter production and platform-based superyachts tend to follow the same trend. Although some innovative and designer solutions do add some variety to the fleet, European shipyards rarely make truly interesting and original vessels. 

With the launch of the first SX88 crossover yacht in 2017, Sanlorenzo set a new trend and revealed something fundamentally new to the world. The seemingly simple idea of “marrying” a flybridge yacht and an expedition vessel and offering the resulting "marine crossover" to the market struck a chord, which is evidenced by dozens of the SX76 and SX88 hulls sold. Yet, having conquered the mid-sized yacht segment, the Italians decided not to stop there, but to bring this proven, successful concept into the superyacht category. Especially since the number of competitors offering their own takes on the crossover yacht concept has grown significantly over the last few years. 

The launch of the 34.16-meter SX112 model marked a tentative foray into the superyacht segment. However, she quickly disappeared from the official lineup, replaced by the 30.53-meter SX100. At that time, some experts decided that Sanlorenzo had "burned its fingers" and decided not to venture beyond the 100-foot mark, but the recent debut of the 36.58-meter SX120 dispelled this misconception: the shipyard was simply updating the model range. 

A different crossover: Sanlorenzo SX120

Strictly speaking, the SX120 stopped being a crossover yacht, as the idea of combining a flybridge yacht with an expedition one is gone. There is no flybridge, and the explorer’s features are not that obvious due to the size: superyachts with high bows are a commonplace sight now, and the trawler-style superstructure and vast open aft deck are more about superyacht aesthetics than the practicality of expedition vessels. 

As if recognizing this, the Italians decided to give the SX120 some features that would reinstate her in the ranks of crossovers, albeit with a somewhat different concept than that of her smaller sisterships. 

“The SX120 represents the natural evolution of a range that has changed the way yachting is conceived and redefined the experience of living on board, introducing a new idea of space, livability and connection with the sea. The new flagship of the SX line combines functionality and aesthetics, simplicity and elegance, performance and sustainability in a single product,” said Tommaso Vincenzi, Sanlorenzo CEO. 

As befits the flagship of the line (a title that the SX120 wrested from the SX100 thanks to her length of 36.58 meters, a beam of 8 meters and an internal volume of 270 GT) this superyacht became not only the shipyard’s largest composite crossover but a pioneer featuring innovative technical solutions. 

“The SX120 is the first yacht of a big size to integrate Volvo Penta's new IPS Professional Platform, a compact and efficient system prepared for the use of hybrid energy sources, and designed to improve performance, autonomy and comfort while sailing. This innovative propulsion platform allows for the achievement of certainly unique design solutions related to the use of efficient PODs drive even on large yachts,” explains Vincenzi.

To put it simply, instead of a massive, two-level engine room filled with heavy diesel engines, piping and pumps, the SX120 features four compact 1,000 hp engines connected to two pod drives. An exhaust treatment system, counter-rotating propellers and an automated engine load management system have resulted in outstanding fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. The saved space has been dedicated to the guests, who gain access to an aft deck pool – a first for the SX series – that comes with a surprise that we will mention shortly. 

Sanlorenzo SX120's exterior

The SX120’s exterior – just like that of her sisterships – is owed to Zuccon International Project that managed to package four of her decks into the signature look of the entire line. 

“The Sanlorenzo SX120 is a project that is a manifesto of the evolutionary path that the SX range has taken in recent years. An evolution that has not limited itself to recalibrating the proportions of a basic design, but has led to the creation of boats with their own identities, equipped with features and design solutions that justify the positioning of each model within the range," said Bernardo Zuccon, who was in charge of the yacht’s exterior. 

The designers managed to integrate all the “extras” into a harmonious profile and preserve the understated elegance and chic of the exterior. No steroids, but highly targeted surgical intervention that adds volume while preserving the important characteristics of the SX family. 

Alongside the technological innovations, the SX120 boasts some bold design features. One of her standout areas is the 40-square-meter beach club. When at anchor, fold-down side terraces expand this space by 30 square meters and open up the massive side windows of the lower saloon. The aft glass partitions can open, too, integrating the lower saloon seamlessly into the beach club area. This impressive expanse can accommodate everything from relaxed beach-style lounging to lively parties right by the water: the aft pool can be either open or enclosed, thanks to a special lift and slide mechanism. There is enough space for a tender over 6 m here, jet skis and numerous water toys. There is a crane for it on the port side, which is built into the bulwark so neatly that it is hard to notice it is there. 

Another innovation for the crossover line is the sundeck, featuring a simple, but smart solution: a configurable seating area named the Smart Island that can function as a lounge or a sunbathing area. The glass partitions do not obstruct panoramic views and protect from the wind, so this lounge / observation area can be used both at anchor and under way. 

Compared to the exterior spaces mentioned above, the other ones do not seem so impressive, but definitely have their benefits, too. On the upper deck aft, there is a lounge with designer sofas, armchairs and coffee tables. One level lower, the main deck cockpit is home to an al fresco dining area protected by the upper deck’s overhang, while the foredeck features a relaxed lounging area featuring convertible furniture. This space can transform into a cozy breakfast nook, a secluded sundeck hidden from prying eyes or a private deck for the owner with direct access from their suite. 

Inside the Sanlorenzo SX120

It is not the first time that Sanlorenzo’s art director, Piero Lissoni, has worked on the interiors for the SX line. A minimalist, sculptural style, a selection of tactile, eco-friendly, and often unique materials and textures, combined with an extraordinary ability to transform everyday spaces and elements into art objects, make him the ideal candidate for it. That is precisely why the shipyard introduced the first models of the SX series in a striking version designed by Lissoni, before engaging Zuccon International Project and others. The SX120 is no exception here, and the maestro once again lived up to all expectations. 

The layout has been reimagined dramatically at all levels, and it feels as though every effort was made to ensure guests feel like they are staying in a luxury villa rather than on board a yacht. From the décor and furnishings to the color palette, everything “extra”, including the bar, refrigerator, TV, and sideboard, has been hidden out of sight behind mirrored and wooden surfaces. In his interior designs, Piero Lissoni employs refined ceilings, punctuated by wooden quills that serve as an extension of the wall finishes, creating an architectural effect of continuity and depth. In some areas, steel-effect inserts are incorporated to lend the spaces a modern look while introducing some variety. 

The floors feature parquet and carpet, while in the bathrooms there is a marble-effect ceramic material, combining aesthetics and functionality. The only elements that “intrude” upon the clean, light-filled minimalist spaces and becoming their main decorative features are Lissoni’s famous sculptural staircases, which seem to be even more intricate and elegant on board the SX120 than usual. 

It is immediately obvious that the guest areas on the upper and main decks feature a mirrored layout: on the main deck, the generous dining area is situated outdoors in the cockpit, while the saloon houses a lounge centered around a modular furniture island similar to the Smart Island on the sundeck, with low sofas – to avoid obstructing the large windows. 

On the upper deck, however, the arrangement is exactly the opposite: there is an exterior lounge and a more informal dining area indoors. Lissoni seems to have decided to break away from the conventional practice of placing the dining and living areas within the same interior space, opting instead to give the owner the freedom to choose between the upper and main levels depending on their mood or the number of guests. 

All the saloons are versatile: in addition to their primary functions, the living and dining areas can serve as a home cinema, a bar or a playroom. The opening windows in the upper saloon transform it into an open-air panoramic terrace, while the lower lounge serves as an extension of the beach club or a spa-style relaxation area, with a small hammam located nearby on the port side. 

The SX120 offers comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests. There are four en-suite cabins including two VIPs and two twins below deck. One of the cabins on the starboard side can be turned into a small lounge or a cosy cinema and the decision to conceal the wardrobes behind the semi-transparent glass to increase the space of the cabins visually. The same approach can be found in the bathrooms: the area featuring a stylish sink can remain open, while everything else is concealed. Large, retro-style porthole windows allow the rooms to be ventilated and filled with natural light, eliminating the need for artificial lighting. 

The entire forward section of the main deck is dedicated to the master suite. The space features more intense colours, opulent décor and a slightly higher ceiling. It also boasts a striking design element: an illuminated headboard crafted as a decorative screen that separates the sleeping area from the wardrobes. Panoramic glazing adds volume and offers stunning sea views. If you get tired of them, there is a concealed pop-up TV at the foot of the bed. The bathroom with a a double sink and a shower stall is located on the port side, while the door next to its entrance leads to the side deck and the foredeck, where there can be a private deck for the owner.

The cabins for a crew of six and a generous galley are located on the lower deck forward. The crew walkways across the decks were designed to avoid disturbing guests, while the upper-deck helm station is separated with a glass partition without compromising the panoramic views. 

Sanlorenzo SX120's technical features

With four Volvo Penta D13-IPS 2700 IMO III engines the GRP superyacht with a semi-displacement hull can reach a top speed of up 23 knots and a cruising speed of about 20 knots, which is quite impressive for the “floating villa” of this size. In the economy mode of 10 knots and with the fuel capacity of 19,500 L, the SX120 can easily cover up to 2,000 nautical miles. 

“The SX120 is the latest addition to the SX family, which I think is the most creative range in living memory in yachting in the last 30 years. The SX120 is a spectacular floating architecture. We took all the things the other SXs taught us and put them here. It has beaches, floors that interconnect, big openings...a real floating villa in the body of an absolutely extraordinary project that the SX is," said Piero Lissoni of Lissoni & Partners. 

The SX120 may no longer be a crossover in the traditional sense, but it remains one in spirit: a superyacht that transcends the conventional, the everyday and the habitual, offering fresh ideas and original approaches. This floating villa is less likely to appeal to conservative sailors fond of playing by the book, but it will certainly delight those looking for a stylish home on the water. And one can always tailor it to personal taste, as Sanlorenzo has never been stingy in offering customisation options.