For model year 2026, the Bennington Flagship QX series has been completely redesigned with enhanced durability, usability, and sophisticated aesthetics. This series goes beyond luxury; it crosses into legacy status with modern features and top-of-the-line quality.

Bennington describes the exterior color as Metallic Luminous Blue, but it would be easier to just call it gorgeous. We absolutely love the color, and the additional storage located outside of the front gate in the bow offers an easy-to-reach place for anchors, fenders, and water toys. Just to clarify, the stylish vibe clearly outweighs the practicality of those pods.

The sleek design elements carry over to the interior, with Shadow Grey Veneto premium soft-touch vinyl and diamond-patterned stitching. With the Fastback quad bench layout, you gain a symmetrical floorplan that perfectly mirrors itself, with the full wraparound glass windshield and new carbon fiber arch completing the look.

Another highlight is the automotive feel of the dash console, with three touchscreens: the main 12-inch Vivid UX display, the 7-inch Vessel Control screen, and the Garmin, available in both 9- and 12-inch, or Simrad option. As popular as the Vivid UX display has become, we shouldn’t be surprised to find a second Vivid UX touchscreen at the first mate’s helm offering control of the radio and RGB lighting, just for your co-captain. There are two lockable glovebox-style compartments for the co-captain, with the largest doubling as an icebox with an integrated drain.

In the stern is Bennington’s signature aft rail, featuring a unique design element that enhances the boat’s overall style and safety. On the extended swim deck is the ski/tow pylon receiver built into the floor, along with a LilliPad Marine boarding ladder, a stereo remote, and two additional 8-inch speakers, for a total of eight speakers as part of the premium Rockford Fosgate audio system.

Other highlights include a large in-floor ski locker and an in-floor anchor locker in the bow.

The Elliptical Sport Package (ESP) is designed for higher horsepower applications, and it clearly applies to this boat as tested. The optional upgrade includes two full-length 25-inch-diameter pontoons with performance foils and a 32-inch elliptical center tube with lifting strakes. The combination helps the pontoon to turn sharply, but we’ll get to that shortly. Up top, the rail height varies from 24.5 inches at the stern to 26 inches at the bow, for a safe, family-friendly design.

Sleek lines, a walk-through windshield, and a new full carbon fiber arch tower are just a few indications that this is a high-end performance boat, fully backed up by the pairing of the Yamaha 450hp outboard with the elliptical hull. After a blistering zero-to-20 mph time of just over 4 seconds, we reached a top speed over 50 mph. With the electric steering, she handles like a dream, and with the performance hull, she banked beautifully through the sharp turns for a fun, memorable ride.

As tested, this Bennington is amazing, but like other fantasy-worthy dreams, it comes at a price that’s not for every budget. You could take fewer bells and whistles and less horsepower to reduce the overall price, but as tested, you get a complete package of luxury, comfort, and performance.

Four chaise benches w/Fastback Aft, Premium Rockford Fosgate Audio & Lighted Speakers, 12” VIVID UX Display, 7” Vessel Control, and Full Wrap-Around Glass Windshield.

Heated & Cooled Captain & Co-Captain’s Chair, Power Folding Carbon Fiber Arch w/Speakers, Shadow Grey Veneto Premium Soft Touch Vinyl, Metallic Luminous Blue Exterior, Mythos Grey Rotomold, Mythos Grey Consoles, New Windshield Consoles, New Vivid UX Co-Captain Touchscreen, CF Aero w/Arch, EPT, New Atmos, Premium Commander 2.0 Helm Upgraded, and New Bow Storage Pods.