In a surprising turn of events, Lancia, the storied Italian brand, has emerged from a 13-year hiatus with the unveiling of its latest creation – the 2024 Ypsilon. Stellantis, the conglomerate formed through the FCA-PSA merger, has committed to reviving all 14 brands under its umbrella, giving Lancia a fresh opportunity to rebuild its tarnished reputation. The 2024 Ypsilon, Lancia's first new car in over a decade, not only signifies a rebirth but also introduces the brand to the electric era with its debut as an all-electric vehicle.
Built upon the CMP/eCMP platform shared with the Peugeot 208/e-208, the Ypsilon distinguishes itself with a unique design that draws inspiration from the Pu+Ra HPE Concept, incorporating elements reminiscent of the iconic Stratos rally car. While Lancia claims a connection to the Stratos in the circular rear lights, the overall design boasts a distinctive "Y" motif in both front and rear lights. The limited-run special edition, a collaboration with high-end Italian furniture manufacturer Cassina, elevates the Ypsilon's aesthetics with glossy black finishes on the wheel arches, side mirrors, and rear pillar.
Stepping into the Ypsilon's cabin reveals a departure from its French counterpart, the Peugeot 208. Despite mandatory dual-screen setups in 2024, Lancia maintains a touch of tradition with a row of physical buttons for climate controls. The dual 10.25-inch displays offer a range of features, including a wireless charging pad, three USB-C ports, and seamless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The city car also boasts a bespoke sound system, ambient lighting, and an AC filter capable of removing 99 percent of harmful particles.
Under the hood, the 2024 Lancia Ypsilon electric variant impresses with a front-mounted motor delivering 154 horsepower and 260 Newton-meters of torque, aligning itself with the Peugeot e-208. Sharing a 51-kWh battery pack with the Opel e-Corsa, the Ypsilon achieves a range of up to 250 miles in the WLTP combined cycle. The electric model weighs in at 1,584 kilograms but promises faster charging times, with a 24-minute recharge from 20 to 80 percent via a DC connection. While the previous Ypsilon was limited to the Italian market, the 2024 model will be available at over 70 dealers across Europe. Launching initially in Belgium and The Netherlands, followed by France, Spain, and Germany, Lancia aims to attract a younger clientele with its "premium hatchback" strategy, targeting individuals aged 40-45.
Looking ahead, Lancia plans to continue its resurrection with the revival of the "Gamma" moniker in 2026 for a flagship model, followed by the return of the "Delta" as a compact hatchback in 2028. Both future models will be electric-only, aligning with Lancia's goal of exclusively offering electric vehicles from 2028 onward. This commitment underscores Lancia's dedication to a sustainable and electrified future, marking a decisive shift in the brand's trajectory. As the 2024 Ypsilon leads the way, Lancia's resurgence promises innovation, style, and a bold step into the electric automotive landscape.
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