Ever noticed the little red light under your BMW’s mirror or wondered why some Porsches have the keyhole on the left? European cars are packed with quirks that may seem odd—but they all serve a purpose. Here are five of the most fascinating:

VW’s Hidden Trunk Handle- On the Mk5 and Mk6 Golf/GTI, the Volkswagen emblem on the hatch isn’t just for show—it doubles as the trunk release! Pressing the logo tilts it outward, giving you a hidden handle to open the trunk. It’s a clever way to keep the rear design clean while adding a bit of functional flair. Some well equipped models also have the camera integrated into the handle as well! So not only does the emblem serve as an opener for the tailgate, it also houses the rear view camera!

BMW’s "Clown Nose" Mirror – That tiny red bubble under your rearview mirror? It’s actually a built-in alarm indicator. Flashing to deter thieves, it also houses motion sensors to detect break-ins.

Old Mercedes’ Loud Turn Signals – Drive an older Mercedes-Benz, and you’ll hear a distinctly loud turn signal click. This was actually a request from German taxi drivers who needed to hear the blinkers over noisy passengers.

The "Rest" Feature on Climate Control – Found in BMWs, Mercedes, and some Audis, this button keeps your heater running after you turn off the car—using residual engine heat. Perfect for staying warm during quick winter stops!

Why VW and Porsche Have Left-Side Keyholes – Porsche race cars placed the ignition on the left so drivers could start the engine with one hand while shifting into gear with the other—saving crucial seconds at Le Mans. VW carried on this tradition in some models.

What’s the weirdest quirk you’ve seen in a European car? Reply in the comments and let us know!