Lancia, the storied Italian automaker, has returned with a bang. The brand's resurgence hinges on the all-new Ypsilon, a premium B-segment hatchback available in three distinct flavors: the base new Lancia Ypsilon, the feature-packed Ypsilon LX, and the comfort-oriented Nuova Lancia Ypsilon Edizione Cassina. Each caters to a specific customer, but all share a common thread: a commitment to progressive design, intuitive technology, and a touch of effortless Italian elegance.
The Ypsilon's message is clear: it tells four stories. First, it promises a delightful driving experience, blending agility with comfort for a truly premium feel. Second, user-friendly technology takes center stage, ensuring a seamless in-car experience. Third, electrification is a core tenet, with both a best-in-class electric variant and a hybrid option offering impressive efficiency. Finally, the Ypsilon proudly embodies Lancia's timeless elegance, drawing inspiration from the brand's rich heritage while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.
Lancia isn't just aiming for segment leadership; it's setting a new standard. The Lancia Ypsilon boasts a class-leading exterior lighting system, a comprehensive parking assist suite, a massive dual-screen display system, and Level 2 autonomous driving – all standard features. This commitment to inclusivity ensures every Ypsilon driver gets the most advanced safety and convenience features available.
The Ypsilon's European rollout is a strategic one. Following its Italian debut, it will grace the streets of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, with Spain, France, and finally Germany following suit in 2025. This phased approach allows Lancia to establish a robust dealer network of over 70 showrooms across 70 major European cities. This dedication to customer service reflects a wider vision – the Ypsilon is just the first chapter in Lancia's ambitious comeback narrative. The arrival of the Gamma in 2026 and the Delta in 2028 underscores the brand's commitment to a multi-model future.
For the eco-conscious driver, the electric Ypsilon is a compelling proposition. Supported by Free2move Charge, the car offers convenient charging solutions at home (Free2move Charge Home) and on the go (Free2move Charge Go). This comprehensive approach to charging infrastructure eases the transition to electric mobility for Lancia customers across Europe.
Luca Napolitano, Lancia's CEO, perfectly captures the Ypsilon's essence: "Today, we take another important step ahead... The New Lancia Ypsilon tells four stories: drivability, state-of-the-art technology, electrification, and finally the elegance typical of the most beautiful Lancia cars ever." It's a car that caters to the modern driver, offering a balance of practicality, sophistication, and a touch of Italian flair.
Effortless Performance and Unwavering Comfort
The Ypsilon thrives in the urban jungle. It's nimble enough to navigate tight city streets but also delivers a dose of fun on winding roads. This feat is achieved thanks to the multi-energy Common Modular Platform (CMP), a versatile platform that accommodates both electric and hybrid powertrains. The design and engineering teams prioritized agility, dynamic handling, and exceptional grip, all while ensuring remarkable passenger comfort – a hallmark of Lancia's premium approach.
Their focus centered on four key areas: onboard well-being, sound quality, production quality, and driving pleasure. To create a serene cabin environment, a meticulous soundproofing package reduces noise intrusion regardless of road surface or speed. Special door gaskets enhance the feeling of solidity when closing the doors, while redesigned handles exude a sense of robustness. Furthermore, Lancia has invested heavily in staff training, specialized equipment, and production processes. This dedication to quality ensures the Ypsilon meets the high standards expected from a premium brand.
Driving pleasure hasn't been overlooked. The engineers widened the wheel track by 24mm, resulting in improved weight distribution and handling. The steering system has been meticulously calibrated for precise responsiveness, and the suspension setup offers a dynamic yet comfortable ride.
Effortless Technology for the Modern Driver
The Ypsilon embodies Lancia's vision for technology and infotainment. It boasts class-leading features while remaining refreshingly user-friendly. Lancia's approach is one of effortless technology – a seamless extension of the driving experience, welcoming the driver and making them feel "at home" on the road.
The centerpiece of this philosophy is S.A.L.A., a virtual interface that controls essential parameters for a comfortable journey. This Italian acronym translates to "Sound Air Light Augmentation," and it lives up to its name. With S.A.L.A., adjusting audio, climate control, and lighting is a breeze, all accessible with a simple touch.
The in-car audio system, painstakingly crafted by a dedicated Lancia sound designer, delivers an immersive listening experience. The air conditioning system boasts a high-efficiency filter capable of removing up to 99% of harmful particles, ensuring a clean and comfortable cabin environment. Finally, the customizable ambient lighting allows drivers to create a personalized atmosphere within the Ypsilon's “living room.”
This “living room” concept extends beyond lighting. Adjustable, massaging, and heated electric seats transform into luxurious armchairs, further amplifying in-car comfort. The exceptional acoustic insulation adds to the sense of tranquility within the cabin.
The Ypsilon's feature list is extensive, making every journey a breeze. Keyless entry and start, a 360° parking assist system with front and rear sensors, and the largest display in the segment (a whopping 20.5 inches diagonally) elevate the driving experience. The customizable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster ensures drivers have all the information they need at a glance. Standard connectivity features include Bluetooth Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and three USB-C ports to keep devices powered.
S.A.L.A. also incorporates a virtual assistant, S.A.L.A. HUB, further enhancing the connection between car and driver. This system highlights the Ypsilon's high-tech nature. To top it all off, Level 2 Autonomous Driving comes standard, providing features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering for a more relaxed and safer driving experience, especially on longer journeys.
Electrification: A Commitment to the Future
The electric Ypsilon marks Lancia's foray into the world of electric vehicles. It aligns perfectly with the brand's and Stellantis' ambitious electrification strategy. The Ypsilon boasts a best-in-class range, charging times, and efficiency within the premium B-segment hatchback category.
The electric Ypsilon packs a punch with a 156-hp electric motor powered by a 51-kWh battery. This translates to a WLTP combined cycle range of up to 403 km, exceeding 500 km in city driving. Additionally, the Ypsilon offers impressive fast-charging capabilities – 24 minutes to reach 80% charge or a quick 10-minute charge for enough range to cover 100 km. This combination makes the electric Ypsilon ideal for eco-conscious drivers who crave access to restricted traffic zones, prioritize comfort, and appreciate the convenience of home charging with renewable energy sources.
The 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, 100-hp mild hybrid option caters to those seeking a balance between efficiency and versatility. This latest-generation hybrid powertrain combines outstanding performance with low emissions, achieving between 103 and 104 g/km of CO2 in the WLTP cycle. Additionally, the hybrid Ypsilon boasts a segment-leading electric driving range of 25%, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers who still require the flexibility of a gasoline engine.
The hybrid Ypsilon features a six-speed e-DCT automatic transmission with electronic functions like e-Start, e-Parking, e-Queuing, and e-Creeping. These features allow drivers to tailor their driving experience based on their needs and the driving environment.
Effortless Charging: Free2move Charge
Lancia has partnered with Free2move Charge to ensure a seamless charging experience for electric Ypsilon owners. Free2move Charge offers solutions for both home (Free2move Charge Home) and public charging (Free2move Charge Go).
Lancia and Free2move Charge recommend the Easy Wallbox, a fast and safe charging solution for home charging. Customers can order the Easy Wallbox alongside their Ypsilon, ensuring it's installed before their new car arrives. For those who prefer professional installation, Free2move Charge offers a network of certified installers readily available at a customer's call.
On the go, Lancia customers can access a vast network of over 700,000 public charging points across Europe with a single charging pass provided with the electric Ypsilon and Ypsilon LX. This simplifies the charging process and ensures peace of mind for electric Ypsilon drivers on longer journeys.
Lancia's Timeless Elegance: A Modern Interpretation
The Ypsilon's design is a love letter to Lancia's rich heritage. The front grille evokes the iconic Lancia "chalice" design, reimagined with three LED beams for a contemporary feel. Round LED headlights at the rear pay homage to the legendary Lancia Stratos rally car, incorporating a horizontally positioned "Y" that serves as a new design signature. The taillights elegantly frame the renewed Lancia lettering.
This interplay between heritage and modernity continues with the Ypsilon lettering on the front and rear. The "handwritten" characters draw inspiration from iconic Lancia models like the Fulvia, Flavia, and Flaminia – a subtle nod to the brand's storied past. Another touch of prestige is the Lancia shield, meticulously positioned on the C-pillar like a precious gem.
The Ypsilon's interior reflects the theme of a comfortable, elegant, and sustainable living space, echoing Lancia's core values. The partnership with Cassina, a renowned Italian furniture brand, manifests in the meticulous attention to detail in material selection and color choices. Every element is meticulously crafted to create a welcoming and inviting environment.
The collaboration between Lancia and Cassina goes beyond aesthetics. Both brands share core values like Italian spirit, a passion for iconic design, and a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. The centerpiece of this partnership is the Cassina multifunctional tavolino table, a revolutionary design element made from bio-based plastic, marking its first appearance within a car.
Lancia's dedication to eco-conscious materials extends beyond this innovative table. The 2024 Lancia Ypsilon LX features refined upholstery on the door and dashboard panels, crafted by Limonta and FILI PARI startup in MARM \ MORE – a groundbreaking material made from recycled fabrics. This innovative material boasts natural colors, a soft touch, and impressive water resistance. By incorporating these sustainable materials, Lancia transforms the Ypsilon's cabin into a true "living room," aligning with the brand's long-term vision of having 50% of touchable surfaces comprised of eco-friendly materials.
The Ypsilon's timeless elegance is further accentuated by the available exterior color palette. Each shade evokes a connection to Italy, its rich heritage, and Lancia's legacy of refinement. The first two trim levels offer six distinct colors, with the option of a two-tone configuration featuring a contrasting black roof. These colors include Grigio Granito (Granite Grey), Nero Ardesia (Slate Black), Bianco Marmo (Marble White), Blu Lancia (Lancia Blue), Verde Giada (Jade Green), and Oro (Gold). Each shade evokes a sense of prestige and reflects a signature Italian material, taking the driver on a virtual journey through the Italian peninsula. The Nuova Lancia Ypsilon Edizione Cassina, however, is exclusively available in Blu Lancia, a timeless and iconic color deeply rooted in Lancia's heritage.
The new Lancia Ypsilon represents a bold rebirth for the brand. It's a car that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with a timeless Italian aesthetic. Whether you prioritize comfort, eco-conscious driving, or simply appreciate a touch of elegance on your daily commute, the Ypsilon offers a compelling proposition. With its diverse trim levels, efficient powertrains, and commitment to effortless technology, the Ypsilon is poised to reclaim Lancia's position as a leader in premium automotive design.
