Denza and Chopard Built a Jewelry-Clad EV, Then Sold It for $815,000 USD
The vehicle pairs Chinese EV engineering with Swiss luxury details and Cannes amfAR auction prestige for BYD’s most expensive model yet.
Summary
- BYD’s premium sub-brand Denza auctioned a one-of-a-kind Chopard Edition of its Z9 GT electric shooting brake for $815,000 USD at the 32nd Cannes amfAR charity gala
- The bespoke luxury vehicle features amethyst-themed interior trim, customized embroidery, matching luxury watches and a high-performance triple-motor powertrain producing over 960PS
- Equipped with BYD’s new Blade Battery, the EV supports ultra-fast 1,500kW charging technology that can replenish the battery from 10% to 70% in just five minutes
Proceeds from the record-breaking sale of the Denza Z9 GT Chopard Edition will support global programs for AIDS research. The customized shooting brake debuted during the Cannes Film Festival activities in Antibes, France. It stands as a globally unique build specifically commissioned for the charity event. The project pairs Chinese automotive engineering with European luxury craftsmanship, creating a high-profile halo model as the brand expands its presence internationally. During the auction, the vehicle secured a final bid of €700,000 EUR, translating to roughly ¥5.53 million RMB or $815,000 USD , making it one of the company’s highest-value transactions to date.
Swiss luxury watchmaker Chopard heavily influenced the vehicle’s aesthetic redesign. The exterior receives exclusive gold accents, while the cabin transforms into a showcase of jewelry-inspired craftsmanship. Interior details include amethyst-themed trim pieces, gemstone-style physical controls and branded wireless charging surfaces. The automaker also integrated custom embroidery featuring the prominent “C” logo and a dedicated infotainment interface theme. The collaboration extends beyond the vehicle itself, with the buyer receiving matching “His & Hers” luxury watches and a custom luggage collection.
Underneath the bespoke exterior, the Z9 GT relies on BYD‘s e3 Platform and second-generation Blade Battery technology. The triple-motor variant delivers over 960PS, launching the grand tourer from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds. The rear-wheel-drive edition maximizes endurance, offering a driving range of up to 800 kilometers. Inside the cabin, passengers experience an opera-house entertainment setup developed alongside French audio specialist Devialet. The bespoke speaker system utilizes Dolby Atmos immersive audio technology to deliver precise sound separation and clarity throughout the interior space.
