Automotive chassis have undergone transformations through mechanization, electrification, and electronicization and are currently evolving toward intelligent systems. Changes in propulsion forms have resulted in significant alterations in chassis configuration, thereby necessitating innovation in the methodologies and foundational theories of chassis design. This paper provides a systematic review of the development history of automotive chassis configurations and design methodologies, examining the technological evolution from traditional internal combustion engine chassis configurations, through centralized electric drive configurations, to distributed electric drive configurations. The state-of-the-art advances in automotive chassis design methods are discussed across four dimensions: the design methodologies for modular distributed electric drive chassis, chassis design empowered by AI and optimization techniques, scenario-driven automotive chassis design, and digital virtual verification techniques for chassis systems. Addressing the challenges currently confronting chassis design methodologies, recommendations for development are proposed, focusing on three areas: interdisciplinary integration in chassis design, chassis design empowered by AI and performance analysis, and the progression of domestic chassis design software toolchains.