Jacky Ickx-Inspired Genesis GV80 Desert Edition Debuts In Saudi Arabia

Genesis just dropped a killer one-off SUV, the GV80 Desert Edition, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a tribute to racing legend Jacky Ickx for his 80th birthday. And this isn’t just some showroom queen—it’s already tackled the brutal 6,000 km stretch of the 2025 Dakar Rally, from Bisha to Shubaytah. Talk about making an entrance.

The brains behind this masterpiece? Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’ Chief Creative Officer, teamed up with Genesis Middle East and W Motors—you know, the crew behind the Lykan Hypersport. The result is an SUV that exudes both luxury and grit.

The paint job is pure Jacky Ickx vibes, rocking a Midnight Blue base with a sleek white stripe down the hood, mimicking his iconic helmet. Add some chrome accents, and you'll have a vehicle that attracts attention everywhere. It’s got 20-inch forged bead-lock wheels wrapped in chunky all-terrain tires, flared fenders for a wider stance, and enough LED lights to light up the desert at midnight.

Underneath, the suspension got a serious desert-ready makeover. It’s adjustable for max clearance, with improved damping to handle dunes, rocks, and everything in between. The engine? The engine is the same as the standard GV80, but it now includes a desert mode to ensure you can navigate through soft sand with ease.

Inside, it’s all Genesis luxury—soft leather, premium finishes, and just the right amount of tech. They even added a custom drawer system in the trunk to stash a full-size spare, tools, emergency gear, and water supplies. It’s practical without losing its swanky vibe.

Jacky Ickx was on hand for the big reveal, and it’s a perfect nod to his Dakar legacy. This guy’s a legend, winning the event in ’83 with a Mercedes-Benz 280 GE and snagging second place a couple of times with a Porsche 959 Dakar and Peugeot 405 Turbo 16. Now, he’s not just a brand ambassador for Genesis; he’s also their racing advisor as they gear up for their debut in WEC and IMSA in 2026.