A unique collaboration between BYD’s premium brand Denza and Swiss luxury house Chopard has resulted in a one-off electric shooting brake that fetched 700,000 euros at a high-profile charity auction in France. The Denza Z9GT Chopard edition, combining advanced EV technology with luxury design, marks a notable move by a Chinese automaker into the European ultra-luxury market.
Denza and Chopard Unveil Bespoke Electric Shooting Brake
On May 21, the Denza Z9GT Chopard edition was auctioned at the 32nd amfAR Gala in Cannes, France. This event, held alongside the Cannes Film Festival, is known for attracting global attention and raising funds for AIDS research. The custom Z9GT, co-created by Denza and Chopard, was sold for 700,000 euros, highlighting the growing presence of Chinese EVs in the luxury segment.
Denza, a premium sub-brand under BYD, partnered with Chopard to create a vehicle that merges high-performance electric power with elements of fine jewelry and watchmaking. The collaboration aims to elevate Denza’s profile among European luxury car buyers.
Luxury Features and Technical Highlights
The Denza Z9GT Chopard edition features BYD’s tri-motor powertrain, delivering over 1,150 Ps and capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2.7 seconds. The vehicle supports BYD’s latest flash charging technology, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 97% in only nine minutes.
Inside, the cabin’s control area is inlaid with amethysts, drawing inspiration from Chopard’s jewelry expertise. The seats are finished with exclusive embroidery, and the headrests display Chopard’s signature ‘C’. Chopard’s branding is also integrated into the vehicle’s intelligent system, with custom designs featured on the wireless charging pad and central control screen.
The car is equipped with a 20-speaker theater-grade audio system by French acoustics specialist Devialet. The auction package included a handcrafted luggage set by a renowned leather goods designer and a ‘His & Hers’ watch set made from 18-carat rose gold, incorporating Denza’s exclusive motifs.
Denza’s Push into the European Luxury Market
The auction of the Z9GT Chopard edition follows Denza’s recent launch event at the Palais Garnier in Paris, where the standard Z9GT was officially introduced to the European market. The standard model starts at around 115,000 euros in Europe, while in China, the pure electric version is priced from 269,800 yuan.
By collaborating with a prestigious European luxury brand, Denza is seeking to strengthen its position in the global high-end automotive sector and appeal to a new segment of buyers.
Why this matters
The sale of the Denza Z9GT Chopard edition at a major European charity auction signals a shift in perceptions of Chinese electric vehicles, particularly in the luxury segment. This collaboration demonstrates how Chinese automakers are leveraging partnerships with established luxury brands to enhance their global image and compete with traditional high-end manufacturers.
As Denza and BYD expand their presence in Europe, such high-profile initiatives could help break down barriers for Chinese brands and accelerate the adoption of premium electric vehicles worldwide.
Key Specs
- Auction Price: 700,000 EUR (~813,000 USD, ~1,138,000 AUD, ~606,000 GBP)
- Powertrain: BYD tri-motor technology
- Maximum Output: Over 1,150 Ps
- 0-100 km/h Acceleration: 2.7 seconds
- Flash Charging: 10% to 97% in 9 minutes
- Audio System: 20-speaker Devialet theater-grade
- Interior Features: Amethyst inlays, Chopard embroidery, custom intelligent system
- Standard Z9GT Price (Europe): 115,000 EUR (~134,000 USD, ~187,000 AUD, ~100,000 GBP)
- Standard Z9GT Price (China): 270,000 yuan (~40,000 USD, ~55,000 AUD, ~34,000 EUR, ~30,000 GBP)
Source
Images sourced from: techdriveplay.com, driven.site, dailyrevs.com
