Qwest M-Class 8522 RLS - LTZ
Qwest
M-Class 8522 RLS – LTZ
Price
  • Price as Tested$120,617
(Boat & Engine)
  • Base Price$63,564
(Boat & Standard Engine)
Why we love this boat…
With the color scheme, tower and the plug-and-play amenities, there is a lot going for this new M-Class model that will appeal to a wide variety of boaters.
Just being picky…
Plenty of storage below the seats, but with the tower and ski/bar we’d like to see an in-floor storage locker for your water toys be included in the standard features.
St. Louis, Michigan
989-681-4300
www.qwestpontoons.com
First Take
This M-Class series from Qwest is the real deal so it makes sense that it’s creating a lot of buzz in the industry. With the upper trim level package, it’s loaded with great features and fun amenities to make your time away from the dock even better.
Kind Of A Big Deal
Selecting the color combination that makes the most sense is up to you, but it’s going to be hard to beat the black exterior rails and paneling coupled with the Mantis green sport graphics that were on our test boat. It gives the boat an aggressive and sporty vibe. Plus it doesn’t hurt that our model included the optional wakeboard tower.

Inside the boat there is a little bit of the Mantis accent color to tie in the exterior and it’s such a cool pattern we would like to have seen it used even more. At the helm behind the windscreen with a billet aluminum frame is a beautiful dash console, complete with dual 7-inch Garmin touchscreens, with lighted push buttons and a wireless charging station right of the tilt steering wheel and access to the JL Audio controls on the left. The sound system has eight total speakers including the two large ones mounted to the tower along with a 10-inch sub and dual amps. It’s nice when you have a sound system that can back up the performance look.

All of its furniture is done in-house and there is plenty of comfortable seating on board, but one of our favorite features is just how versatile this layout really is. Using an innovative plug-and-play design, there are designated areas where you can have an armrest, a layback backrest or even a table and it’s as simple as removing one and replacing it with another to dial in your preferred layout for the day. Plus we counted a total of 10 USB ports throughout the boat, ensuring everyone has a spot to charge up. Then for the captain, you’ve got the tall high back Revo helm chair that slides, swivels and reclines, and there’s an identical one for the first mate as well.

In the stern is a minimal-sized swim deck that leads to a tall stainless steel ski/tow bar and matching boarding ladder with just enough room to towel off before coming on board. An in-floor ski locker is available as an option but if we’re being picky we’d like to see one as part of the standard features. With the sporty tower, ski/tow bar and a large 250hp engine on the back you’re going to want extra storage for your water toys.

Qwest M-Class 8522 RLS - LTZ steering wheel
Qwest M-Class 8522 RLS - LTZ motor
Qwest M-Class 8522 RLS - LTZ seating
Qwest M-Class 8522 RLS - LTZ seat
Qwest M-Class 8522 RLS - LTZ
Closer Look
The three 25-inch diameter, multi-chambered pontoons include lifting strakes and a full underskin below to create the base of this 8 1/2-foot wide pontoon. Up top the rail height measures nearly 28 inches tall for the majority of the perimeter with lowest being the stern gate at still 24 inches tall.
Performance
Paired with a Honda 250hp four-stroke we comfortably reached a top speed in the mid 40s after a zero-to-20-mile time of just over six seconds. She’s very responsive and handles well like a sporty boat should.
Final Thoughts
The M-Class offering lived up to the hype and not only does it look the part of a sporty high-end pontoon, it performs like it too.
  • Number Of Occupants13
  • Price As Tested With Power$120K
  • Maximum Speed44.2 mph
  • Wild Ponies250hp
  • No. Of Gates3
  • 0-20 MPH6.07 seconds
  • Ladder Measurement46” deep
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Rear Platform Extension w/SS Rear Entry Ladder, 1 1/4” Powder-Coated Railings, Custom Wall Mounted Light Pods w/ LED Navigation & Docking Lights, Innovative Air-Tech Upholstery w/Multi Flex Plug N Play Seating Components, Revo High Back Reclining Captain’s Seats, Fiberglass Helm Stand w/Raised Platform, (2) Garmin 7” Echomap GPS/MFD w/Engine Data, USB Charging Plugs On Helm & In Seating, Scanstrut Wireless Phone Charger, Courtesy Lighting, Interior Blue Lighting Package, JL Audio MM 50 Stereo System w/(6) JL Premium Lighted Speakers, 10” JL Subwoofer, High Pressure Washdown System, Bimini Top, Quick Clip Playpen Cover, Upholstered Accent Pads On Helm, Plug N Play Table, VSR Dual Battery Switch, SS Hardware, SS Deck Corners, SS Flip Up Mooring Cleats, Luxury Woven Vinyl Flooring, Cushion Floor Mat On Helm, Windscreen w/ Billet Aluminum Frame.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Wakeboard Tower, Triple Pontoon Performance Pkg.
Vital Stats
  • LOA24’ 1”
  • Beam8’ 6”
  • Hull DesignMulti Chambered Pontoons
  • Dry Weight2845 lbs.
  • Fuel Capacity45 gallons
Test Drive
  • EngineHonda 250hp V TEC
  • Cylinder TypeV6
  • Displacement/Horsepower3.6L/250hp
  • Lower Unit Gear Ratio2.00:1
  • Propeller15 3/4 X 15 (3 Blade)
RPM
vs.
SPEED
vs.
DB-A
700
1.7
69
1000
3.7
70
1500
5.1
74.5
2000
6.6
77.5
2500
8.7
80
3000
13.1
81.5
3500
18.1
86
4000
23.3
88.5
4500
28.1
89.5
5000
33.5
90.5
5500
33.5
92.5
6000
44.2
96