Lancia is looking to make a comeback by focusing on the premium segment of electric cars. Can the new Ypsilon really convince French buyers?
Despite numerous leaks in recent months, it was only on February 14, 2024 that the Lancia Ypsilon was officially launched from Italy. The Italian brand wants to re-conquer the European market with this model, first presented as 100% electric.
Lancia left the French market in 2016, and is preparing to return to selling the Lancia Ypsilon there in late 2024. The question that arises today is: Who wants to buy a Lancia Ypsilon? This model, the more stylish cousin of the Peugeot E-208, should sell for around €40,000 more for the launch version.
There were no real surprises regarding the model’s features. The new Lancia Ypsilon is based on the same underpinnings as its two cousins, the 208 and the Corsa. The model is 4.08 meters long: so it’s an electric city car, but premium in line with the brand’s message. It is in the weight of the model that we can feel the difference, with 1,584 kg on the scale, which is heavier than its cousin.
The model is equipped with a 115 kW (156 hp) engine with a torque of 260 Nm. The 100 kW (136 hp) version is not offered on this new product. The engine is mated to a 51 kWh battery, common to the other two models, without further technical details on the supplier and its chemistry. For other known information:
If Lancia doesn’t stand out on its technical sheet, it’s in style and on-board equipment that the brand offers an experience that aims to stand out from the competition.
Design is a particularly important part of the Lancia spirit. The brand has never sought to be traditional, and certainly, the difference is more marked with Peugeot or Opel than with Opel and Peugeot. It’s hard to say whether this slightly more unusual design will impress buyers enough to fall in love with it.
Interiors also try another approach. Not sure if the interior table is really the element that manages to convince customers. On the other hand, the heated and massaging velor seats will probably score a few points for style fans.
Lancia is also trying another approach with its on-board technology. The SALA virtual interface should make life easier for boarders and “ Easily adapt to the mood of the moment ”, according to the brand’s communication.
It is still too early to get the prices and detailed range of this model for France. That said, Lancia boss Luca Napolitano has given the first price for Italian orders of the launch version, valid until the end of February. This is a rent with option to purchase (LOA) at €200 per month over 35 months. The first rent is €9,800 and the final amount is set at €22,854. This allows us to calculate that this launch model will be marketed under €40,000. You should not expect low prices for France, quite the opposite.
Will the Lancia Ypsilon manage to do better than the DS 3 and its 2,035 units sold in 2023? We doubt it, but the model will be too late this year to be able to judge. We will have to wait until 2025 to get a clear picture of the success or failure of Lancia’s return to France. By then, a sports version with its 240 hp will be revealed, perhaps offering a few more sales for the brand in perspective.
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