Luxury automotive design and fine jewelry craftsmanship collided in spectacular fashion at this year’s Cannes charity season, where a bespoke version of the Denza Z9GT Chopard edition sold for an impressive $815,000.
Created through a collaboration between BYD’s premium automotive brand Denza and renowned Swiss jewelry house Chopard, the one-of-a-kind electric grand tourer was auctioned during the prestigious amfAR Gala Cannes, with all proceeds supporting AIDS research.
The unique project showcases how luxury automakers and heritage maisons are increasingly collaborating to create highly collectible vehicles that blur the lines between transportation, craftsmanship, and art.
A Moving Piece of Jewelry
While the Denza Z9GT already stands out as one of China’s most ambitious luxury EVs, the Chopard edition elevates exclusivity to another level.
The exterior receives elegant gold detailing that subtly enhances the vehicle’s sleek design. However, the true artistry lies inside the cabin.
Inspired by Chopard’s jewelry-making heritage, the interior incorporates:
- Amethyst stone accents throughout the cabin
- Gem-inspired detailing around controls and trim pieces
- Custom embellishments surrounding the 17.3-inch infotainment display
- Chopard-branded headrests and carpets
- A bespoke Chopard-themed digital interface
- Branded wireless charging surfaces
The result is an interior that feels less like a traditional luxury vehicle and more like a handcrafted jewelry showcase on wheels.
According to Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele, the goal was to transform the vehicle into “a moving piece of jewelry” that reflects the brand’s dedication to beauty, craftsmanship, and emotion.
Performance to Match the Luxury
Beneath its jewel-inspired details, the Denza Z9GT remains a serious high-performance electric vehicle.
Built on BYD’s advanced e3 platform and equipped with the company’s second-generation Blade Battery technology, the EV delivers extraordinary performance figures.
Key specifications include:
- More than 1,150 horsepower
- Triple electric motor configuration
- 0–62 mph in under three seconds
- Ultra-fast 1,500 kW charging capability
- Charging from 10% to 70% in approximately five minutes
- Full recharge capability in as little as nine minutes
These figures position the Z9GT among the fastest and most technologically advanced luxury electric vehicles currently under development.
Luxury Beyond Speed
The cabin experience extends far beyond performance.
Complementing the handcrafted materials and gem-inspired details is a premium 20-speaker audio system developed by French acoustic specialists Devialet.
Wood trim, advanced digital interfaces, and immersive sound combine to create an environment that rivals many ultra-luxury grand tourers currently on the market.
The project demonstrates how Chinese luxury automotive brands are increasingly competing not only on technology and performance but also on exclusivity, design, and craftsmanship.
A Cannes Debut With a Purpose
Perhaps most importantly, the vehicle’s sale served a charitable mission.
The auction took place during the 32nd annual amfAR Gala Cannes, one of the world’s most prestigious fundraising events dedicated to supporting HIV/AIDS research initiatives.
The full $815,000 raised from the sale will contribute directly to ongoing medical research and treatment programs.
Denza’s Growing Global Ambitions
Although this bespoke Chopard edition will remain a one-off collector’s piece, Denza’s broader ambitions are only just beginning.
Backed by BYD, the luxury marque is preparing to expand into European markets, with the Z9GT expected to play a significant role in the brand’s international growth strategy throughout 2026.
As luxury electric vehicles continue evolving, collaborations like this demonstrate how the future of automotive excellence may increasingly combine cutting-edge technology with the artistry traditionally associated with the world’s finest luxury brands.
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