Fourth-Gen Lancia Ypsilon Debuts As Marque’s First-Ever EV

The Lancia Ypsilon supermini has been reborn as the marque’s first-ever EV model

After a long hiatus, Italian automaker Lancia has finally made its long-due comeback into the automotive market with the launch of the new, fourth-gen Lancia Ypsilon. Aside from being the marque’s first new car in 13 years, the new Ypsilon supermini is also Lancia’s first-ever EV model, as the marque embarks on a new, all-electric renaissance.

The new Ypsilon shares most of its mechanical hardware with the Peugeot E-208 supermini, including the e-CMP architecture developed by Stellantis. As a result, the car is equipped with the same single-motor FWD setup rated at 154 HP (115 kW) and 260 NM as the E-208. Power is drawn by a 51-kWh battery pack, which is good enough for a maximum WLTP range of 403 KM, which can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 24 minutes.

Dimension-wise, the new Ypsilon is about the same size as its French twin, measuring 4,080 MM long, 1,760 MM wide, and 1,440 MM tall. Despite its small facade, this EV weighs heavier than any ICE-powered supermini, tipping the scale at 1,584 KG.

Beyond its French-derived hardware, the Lancia Ypsilon's design is unmistakably Italian

Covering the E-208’s hardware are the uniquely styled body panels of the new Ypsilon, which add a heavy dose of Italian flair to this French-based supermini. At the front, the new Ypsilon gets the illuminated version of the “calice” grille, with the car’s actual headlights flanking the lower part of the front bumper.

Aside from its sleek hatchback body style with hidden rear door handles, the Ypsilon is donned with rounded LED taillights at the rear, which are inspired by the iconic Lancia Stratos. Granted, both the front and rear designs of the car are derived from the Pu+Ra HPE concept, so we can expect future Lancia models to boast similar styling cues too.

The Italian flair is more apparent as we get inside the new Ypsilon, featuring tons of premium materials and unique design features, courtesy of the marque’s collaboration with premium Italian furniture brand Cassina. Key highlights include the blue velvet upholstery for the seats with a retro-inspired “Cannelloni” motif, plus the circular, coffee table-style centre console that houses the wireless charging pad.

Elsewhere, other tech bits are also present here, including Lancia’s new Sound Air Light Augmentation (SALA) infotainment system featuring two 10.25-inch screens, an ambient lighting system, and many more.

The new Lancia Ypsilon EV will be available for purchase in selected European markets, for now

Set to be manufactured at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain, the all-new Lancia Ypsilon EV will arrive exclusively in the Limited Edition Cassina version upon its launch. With only 1,906 units allocated, referencing Lancia’s foundation in 1906, the special model is tagged at €39,999 (RM205,095) a piece, which is quite hefty for such a small EV hatch.

Unlike its predecessor, the new Ypsilon EV will be made available in several European markets, such as France, Spain, Germany, and Belgium, as opposed to being an Italian market exclusive. However, its availability in other international markets beyond the Old Continent remains to be seen, with Stellantis opting for the Peugeot E-208 and Open Corsa Electric instead.