Definitely BMW. It seems that BMW sparked the sudden design change for everyone (IMO of course). I mean around 2002 when the 7 series came out, car designs were not as bold. Now look at them!

Many companies, such as Lexus, are starting to use BMW design elements, and in my opinion thats a good thing. I like bold designs and different designs that make your head turn, and Chris Bangle started a revolution for the better (IMO), and the sales numbers back that up.

One thing I've noticed about BMW designs is that you either love them or hate them, very rarely there is an in between. Even so many people take time to learn to like them. Take for example the guys over at M5Board. They hated the 5 series when it first came out. Now they can't stop gushing over it. In my opinion that is a good thing, its makes sure there is no 'mediocre' design, i.e. there is no 'safe' middle ground... the designs challenge you. Thats my take on it anyway. It was these designs that made me like BMW over the other Germans (which I still admire, regardless).

Now for my list (my opinions again):
(1) BMW (Reasons above)
(2) Mercedes (Their designs are becoming far more bold, especially the CLS and the new S-class... there interesting to look at, at some angles, there are things to hate and things to like... they are head turners as much as the next BMW. Their old designs, e.g. W211 E-class are a bit dull for my tastes)
(3) Audi (in my opinion the least bold and most 'safe' and probably most dull in terms of design. Aside from the RS4, which is really made 'bold' by its bodykit, when I see a A8, A6 or A4 on the road it doesn't attract my attention. This maybe why people want the car, but this is a poll about opinions. On top of that I like the shield grill, but thats really the only bold thing about these cars. Problem with the shield grill is that it makes all the cars look the same. There has been a number of times when I mistook an A6 for an A4, and a A8 for an A6 etc, and I (if I must say so myself) tend to have an eye for detail when it comes to cars. Undoubtedly they make good interiors and good cars as much as the next Germans... but design-wise I don't get impressed by the designs.

Well thats my take.