Iconic Italian brand Lancia is back in Europe with the much-heralded battery-electric-vehicle version of its last model, the Ypsilon.
Parent company Stellantis sees the relaunch of the brand as a major new arrow in its BEV quiver, emphasizing its premium qualities while offering an entry-level lease deal to attract consumers concerned about the high pricetags of many rivals.
During its world debut presentation to media in Milan, brand CEO Luca Napolitano announces that the hatchback is in the vanguard of a range of BEV Lancia products with the next being an all-wheel drive SUV to be called Gamma in 2026, followed by another model two years later.
Ypsilon’s first model underlines its premium pretensions and will be limited to just 1,906 units, after the brand’s original founding year, and listed as the Lancia Ypsilon Edizione Limitata Cassina. Its powertrain boasts a 156-hp (115-kW) power output and maximum torque of 191 lb.-ft. (259 Nm) using a 51-kWh battery in a chassis platform it shares with Stellantis siblings, the Peugeot e-208 and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa Electric, giving a performance potential of 0-62 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).
It also claims a 250-mile (403-km) range in the WLTP combined cycle, with fast charging in 24 minutes from 20% to 80% or enough for 62 miles (100 km) in 10 minutes.
Recognizing Continent-wide cost-of-living issues, the automaker also launches a hire-purchase deal of a down payment of €9,800 ($10,530) including the Italian government’s incentive to trade in a vehicle up to EU4; and monthly installments of €200 ($215) for 35 months that include the "Easy Wallbox” home charging installation. Financing is valid for three years, after which customers can opt to keep the car by paying the remainder of €22,854 ($24,557) or, alternatively, can return or replace the car at the end of the contractual period.
The launch made great play of the car’s interior, reflecting the feel and design of a modern Italian luxury home with extensive use of sustainable materials such as recycled yarn for the upholstery.
It claims to be the only model in the B-segment equipped with Level 2 Autonomous Driving capability as standard. Ypsilon is the first Stellantis production car with the S.A.L.A. infotainment system.
Lancia will sell the vehicle initially in its home market of Italy before entering other European markets by mid-2024 starting in Belgium and the Netherlands, followed by France and Spain, then Germany in 2025. It's also thought there will be alternative powertrain options, probably small-capacity ICE and hybrid versions, to suit the needs of various other markets.
Napolitano says: “With New Lancia Ypsilon, the first car of the new era of the brand, we are relaunching, starting again from Italy. Its design is inspired by the brand's glorious past, now reinterpreted in a modern way. The model represents the ultimate expression of onboard comfort and design, featured by category-leading technology and connectivity yet always simple and intuitive, in perfect Lancia style.”
