In a world of motoring where innovation seems to be a thing of the past, Lancia has entered the scene with the Ypsilon 2024 promising to exceed expectations. After a long hiatus of thirteen years, this Italian brand, which was once synonymous with innovation and elegance, presented its first electric car. But has Lancia really brought something new or are we witnessing just another car turning in the direction where the wind of electrification is blowing?
At a time when every new car seems to be just a variation on a familiar theme, Lancia Ypsilon 2024 promises something more. Based on the CMP / eCMP platform, which it shares with the Peugeot 208 / e-208, Lancia does not hide its kinship ties with other members of the Stellantis family, such as the Opel Corsa and the Peugeot e-208 And yet, with a distinctive Italian sense of design and detail, the Ypsilon 2024 stands alone, dressed in an "Italian outfit" with special touches such as hidden rear door handles, an illuminated "calice" grill and circular taillights that hint at the legendary Lancia Stratos.
The starting price of the Cassina model, which is a limited series, starts at €40,000, which places the Ypsilon in the premium segment of city cars. The interior of the vehicle is luxurious, with design elements from the highly regarded Italian furniture brand Cassina, which contribute to the feeling that you are sitting in an Italian living room, rather than in a car.
With an electric motor that produces 154 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque, and a battery with a capacity of 51 kWh, the Lancia Ypsilon promises a range of up to 403 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle (real 250-280 kilometers), which is completely comparable to the competition. And yet, with all the technological brilliance that Ypsilon undoubtedly pauses, we cannot ignore the fact that the heart of the technology is still a shared foundation with other models within the Stellantis group.
Lancia Ypsilon 2024 is undoubtedly the "finer lady" on the automotive market, which surpasses its technical roots with aesthetics and prestige. However, at a time when most new cars seem to be just another in a line of similar products that differ mainly in branding rather than innovation, Lancia is trying to provide something more. While the technology is fundamentally the same, it's the packaging that counts and this is where the Lancia Ypsilon 2024 really shines. Still, the question remains whether this is enough to convince new buyers and revive the glory days of yore.
