After months of teasers and leaks (one of which was slightly embarrassing), Lancia has at last revealed the fully electric Ypsilon as the its first new model in 13 years.
It’s a stylish little number, to say the least, and so it should be considering this is the car that will spearhead a new electric era for the Italian firm.
The model is of course based on the same Stellantis platform as the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa Electric, meaning it boasts a 51kWh battery good enough for up to 403km of range and can be recharged from 20 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes using a fast charger.
Power and torque are rated at a respective 115kW and 260Nm from the front-mounted electric motor, however, a 0 to 100km/h time wasn’t specified. In saying that, the Ypsilon isn’t here to reprise Lancia’s motorsport heritage, so performance isn’t all that relevant.
What the model is here to do though is introduce a new sense of style and that it does with its Pu+Ra HPE concept-inspired design, which is made up of a Y-shaped front daytime running light and a round set of taillamps that hark back to the legendary Stratos.
The interior is equally as fashionable, mostly thanks to the coffee table-like platform found underneath the central 10.25-inch digital infotainment display on the dashboard. As for the driver, they also get a 10.25-inch digital display that acts as the gauge cluster.
Lancia will initially offer the Ypsilon in Edizione Limitata Cassina guise in Italy first, of which just 1906 examples will be made to celebrate the founding year of the brand. What makes the limited edition model unique is its loungeroom-like interior, with the velvet-clad seats taking direct inspiration from Italian furniture.
The Ypsilon will eventually be sold in other European countries, but there’s no indication whether Lancia plans to sell the model anywhere else. Still, it’s good to see the return of an iconic nameplate.
