After the first photos released a few days ago, Lancia officially presents all the details of its new Ypsilon. This new electric car takes the basis of the Peugeot e-208, but with a touch of Italian chic… and some unexpected equipment. Let’s go discover it.
This time, it’s the good one: Lancia is back! Even though the brand is very little known to the general public, it nonetheless remains legendary for enthusiasts, with 118 years of existence and a host of models that have marked their eras.
A brand more or less abandoned for years, leaving only one model sold for 12 years in Italy only. The Stellantis group (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep, etc.), which owns the brand, has however decided to give it another chance. This resurrection begins today with the presentation of its new Ypsilon, in a version that is obviously 100% electric.
A very original style
Well, it’s not that big of a surprise, since the first images were revealed a few days ago. This presentation today, however, allows us to see things more clearly, and to have all the technical details.
First of all, the style remains very particular, with in particular this front face where the “chalice” sits, this black lacquered surface where a Y-shaped light signature is integrated. The “real” projectors are hidden underneath, with them also three small luminous points in Y.
This luminous Y is also found at the rear, inside the round and prominent optics. A black band joins them; a strong reference to the Stratos, an absolutely legendary sports car from the 1970s. Finally, note the name “Ypsilon”, written in handwritten characters.
Lancia Ypsilon // Source: Lancia
Lancia Ypsilon // Source: Lancia
In terms of dimensions, this Ypsilon measures 4.08 m long, 1.76 m wide and 1.44 m high, i.e. typical dimensions for the city car category.
A cozy and technological interior
The interior of this new Lancia has only one goal in mind: to give you the experience of the Italian art of living. For this, the brand has approached Cassina, a famous Italian furniture manufacturer, for this launch edition. The press release is impressive, ensuring that this interior wants to immerse us in “ a real Italian house“.
Blue is omnipresent: on the seats, covered in recycled velvet, but also on the door panels… and on the dashboard, where a funny element sits. This is the “Tavolino”, which Lancia does not hesitate to present as “ the first coffee table in a car » — we want to believe them.
This Tavolino includes a storage space, covered in blue leather for this special edition, as well as a tray where there is an induction charging station. It will be interesting to know what this looks like on the “mass production” versions.
To continue on the technological side, this new Ypsilon has two 10.25-inch screens, one behind the steering wheel and one in the center of the dashboard. The latter has a specific overlay, called SALA (for “ Sound Air Light Augmentation »), and allows you to adjust the audio, ventilation and lighting ambiance. Note compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Lancia Ypsilon // Source: Lancia
Lancia Ypsilon // Source: Lancia
Lancia Ypsilon // Source: Lancia
Small specificity: a button on the dashboard cap, allowing you to launch a voice command. For the rest of the cabin, the seats are electric, heated and massaging, while a cabin filter clearly filters 99% of harmful particles present outside.
A platform taken from the Peugeot E-208
The most observant may have noticed it by looking at the photos: this Lancia Ypsilon takes the basis of the Peugeot e-208, also shared with the Opel Corsa Electric. We therefore find, unsurprisingly, the same technical characteristics.
The small Lancia therefore uses the 115 kW / 156 hp engine, powered by a battery with a capacity of 51 kWh net, allowing it to announce up to 403 km of autonomy according to the WLTP standard. Allow consumption of 14.3 kWh/100 km, taking into account recharging losses. Recharging, here too, the 100 kW charger is supplied as standard, allowing rapid charging from 20 to 80% in 24 minutes.
No surprises regarding the driving aids either, since we find an “adaptive cruise control / lane keeping” duo, enough to access level 2 autonomous driving.
A little chic sold at a high price
One question remains: the price. We can legitimately question the prices of this small premium city car, especially since the Peugeot e-208 is already not cheap, with a price ranging between 34,100 and 39,300 euros in France (excluding ecological bonus).
This Cassina limited edition gives us a good first glimpse: count on 39,999 euros for this fully equipped edition in Italy – the only market which will benefit from this version. We will have to wait a little longer to discover the other versions and the French prices, but this gives us a first indication.
Let’s conclude with one last doubt: what is the merit of Lancia’s rebirth? The Stellantis group already has a premium brand claiming to offer “different luxury”: DS, which offers its DS 3 E-Tense (with almost identical characteristics) from 41,700 euros. Two brands on the same positioning: what if Stellantis shot itself in the foot?
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