Lancia will make only 1,906 units of the Ypsilon Limited Edition Cassina before introducing EV and mild-hybrid versions for a broader market
February 2, 2024 at 08:35
The much-anticipated “renaissance” of the neglected Lancia brand has finally started, with the automaker’s first-ever EV. Following numerous leaks and teasers, the all-new 2024 Lancia Ypsilon has been officially previewed, ahead of its public debut that will take place in Milan on February 14.
The sub-compact model or, as they call them in Europe superminis, was unveiled in the EV-exclusive Limited Edition Cassina trim. Lancia plans to manufacture 1,906 “numbered and certified units” in honor of the brand’s founding year.
While this is the first time that Lancia shows the Ypsilon in its full glory, we’re already quite familiar with its looks from several prior leaks. Serving as the first production model of Lancia’s new styling language, the Ypsilon incorporates the illuminated version of the “calice” grille and the round taillights inspired by the iconic Lancia Stratos.
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These features were previewed by the Pu+Ra HPE concept and will be common among all future models including the Gamma crossover and the Delta hatchback.
Other exterior highlights include the polygonal headlights mounted lower than usual on the front bumper and the glossy black accents around the exterior. Still, the familiar proportions, shared mirror caps, and portions of the greenhouse can’t hide the fact that the new Ypsilon is the proudly Italian sibling of the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Corsa.
More: 2026 Lancia Gamma Confirmed As A BMW 4 Series-Sized Flagship Electric Fastback
Moving inside, a lot of emphasis was given to high-quality materials and unique design features so that the cabin resembles an Italian living room, at least according to Lancia. This feeling is accentuated thanks to the collaboration with Cassina, an Italian high-end furniture brand, which contributed to the choice of materials and colors. Stand-out features include the velvet-upholstered seats with the nostalgic “cannelloni” motif, and the circular center console that looks like a coffee table.
The new Ypsilon is also the first model to introduce Lancia’s SALA (Sound Air Light Augmentation) infotainment system that will find its way into the entire future range. The digital cockpit has a dual-screen layout, while the illuminated orb on top of the dashboard likely serves as an AI-enhanced virtual assistant.
Lancia has not disclosed the technical specifications of the new Ypsilon, focusing instead on its exterior and interior design. The only official figure provided is the WLTP range, which stands at 403 km (250 miles) on a single charge. This range is likely achieved through the use of a 54 kWh battery pack, which is shared among various Stellantis EVs of the same size and platform.
The Italian hatchback shares its platform with numerous other Stellantis vehicles, including the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa (which explains the familiar profile), and even the Jeep Avenger. The electric hatchback will be followed by a hybrid version, expected to inherit the mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine from the Group’s parts bin.
Following a proper debut on February 14, the Lancia Ypsilon Limited Edition Cassina will embark on a tour of Italian showrooms and will be immediately open for orders. The company is encouraging Italian fans to join the “1 of 1906” campaign by filing a “non-binding” expression of interest form through its official website. On a final note, while the outgoing 13-year-old Lancia Ypsilon was only available in Italy, the new generation will be sold in more European markets, following the expansion of the brand’s dealer network.