First superyacht worldwide to feature the new IPS Professional Platform by Volvo Penta, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact with four compact 1,000 HP engines
With the launch of the SX120, Sanlorenzo has introduced the largest model in its crossover line and one of the most forward-thinking yachts in its class. At 37 metres and 270 GT, the SX120 merges the practicality of an explorer yacht with the elegance of a flybridge model, redefining the modern yachting experience through a focus on space, design and sustainability.
Tommaso Vincenzi, CEO of Sanlorenzo, describes it as ‘the natural evolution of a range that has changed the way yachting is conceived and redefined the experience of living on board.’ The SX120 reflects that shift in every line and detail. Its exteriors, created by Zuccon International Project, follow the SX line’s clean architectural language. The interiors, designed by Piero Lissoni, further reinforce this philosophy through layered textures, natural light and an open-plan layout that blends seamlessly with the sea.
One of the most notable innovations is found in the propulsion system. The SX120 is the first composite yacht to feature Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform, a next-generation system with twin 1,000 HP engines per pod. Compact and highly efficient, it allows for reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions and improved maneuverability.
Nicola Pomi, VP Marine Sales at Volvo Penta, explains that the system is ‘geared toward efficiency,’ using steerable units and counter-rotating propellers to ‘significantly reduce energy losses and improve handling at low speeds.’ The new Eco Mode further enhances performance by automatically adjusting engine power based on real-time demand, while extending service intervals and reducing wear.
Thanks to this propulsion platform, Sanlorenzo was able to completely rethink interior volumes. With less space needed for the engine room, more was made available for the owner and guests. The result is a layout articulated across four decks, with an emphasis on generous aft spaces and continuous dialogue between indoor and outdoor areas.
Bernardo Zuccon, lead designer, calls the SX120 ‘a manifesto of the evolutionary path that the SX range has taken in recent years: ‘ A journey that – with SX88, SX76, SX112 and then SX100 – has unequivocally demonstrated the concept’s ability to decline in different dimensions. 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.’
Piero Lissoni describes the yacht as a spectacular floating architecture: ‘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. 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.’
From the sculptural central staircase to the finely layered surfaces, Lissoni’s interiors reflect a calm, essential beauty. Materials alternate between wood, steel and soft textiles, while details such as backlit headboards and marble-effect ceramics elevate the onboard atmosphere.
On the Main Deck, the master suite enjoys panoramic sea views and direct access to a private bow terrace, while the Upper Deck features a glass-wrapped saloon and an adaptable lounge space. The Flybridge is home to the Smart Island, a modular seating concept designed for maximum privacy and configurability.
The SX120 is not simply a larger yacht. It is a vessel that reimagines comfort, efficiency and connection to the sea. According to Vincenzi, ‘the new flagship of the SX line combines functionality and aesthetics, simplicity and elegance, performance and sustainability in a single product.’ With its sophisticated design, pioneering engineering and a genuine commitment to innovation, the SX120 sets a new standard not only for Sanlorenzo but for the future of yachting itself.
Photos & video Sanlorenzo
