Mercedes-Benz CLA

Metallic paint uses aluminum flake, pearl uses ceramic crystals that refract light into different colors, and matte scatters light so you see form instead of reflections. Each one changes how a car's shape reads, and matte costs 40 to 50 percent more to repair because the clear coat cannot be polished.

Chinese EVs look European because Europeans designed them. Wolfgang Egger from Audi and Lamborghini runs BYD design, Kris Tomasson from BMW runs Nio's, and Stefan Sielaff, who drew the Audi A7 and Bentley Bentayga, runs Geely's. Here's why the cars share smooth surfaces, light bars, and living-room interiors, and what they still lack.

EDM stands for European Domestic Market: vehicles, parts, and styling built for sale in Europe, to European regulations. It is the European cousin of JDM and USDM, and the differences (engines, transmissions, lighting, and models we never got) are exactly why enthusiasts chase EDM cars.

A sleeper is a car with serious performance hiding under a completely unremarkable exterior. The classic formula is an economy car, family sedan, wagon, or even a minivan built to embarrass sports cars while looking like it is on its way to a dentist appointment. The whole point is that nothing warns you.