The maximum butt-joint gap size in $CO_2$ laser beam welding of SAPH steel plates with different thicknesses and its bending formability were studied. In the range of the gap size$geq$0.1mm, the optimal butt welding speed was faster than that of no gap (air gap) condition. This behaviour was independent on the difference of thickness at any combination. Also, the allowable gap size in steel plates with different thicknesses was larger than with same thicknesses. In the range of $T/T_0$(bead shape) $geq$ 0.8, good bending formability was obtained at any combination of thickness. The formability was improved by reducing the hardness in weld bead using pre-heating process. Finally, FEM result of the laser beam welded underframe with different thicknesses was compared to that of the conventional spot welded underframe.