E65 Bodyshell: Materials

The choice of materials for the bodyshell is geared towards the design objectives:

• Static Performance (rigidity and strength)
• Dynamic Performance (reduction of vibrational and acoustic disturbances)
• Crash Performance (Improve passive safety)
• Weight Optimization (reducing fuel consumption and improving handling)

Roughly 90% of the sheet panels used in the bodyshell consists of higher-tensile steels. In comparison, only roughly 30% of higher-tensile steels was used in the E38 while only 5% was used in the E32.

In addition to the benefits of reduced weight and increased strength, the use of higher-tensile sheet panels provides the possibility of a more efficient deployment of materials in the manufacture of the vehicle.