Ditto the above.

Although I'm of the mind that trends in design, be it automotive, music or fashion, are often isolated from cultural and economic trends and just happen because something "works" at the time.

It could be argued that Audi and Volkswagen still carry the banner for German design, although they too are starting to become heavily influenced by the "New International" style - especially VW.

BMW and Mercedes are both very international in influence and execution. There's nothing particularly wrong with that, especially when the cars remain distinctive and a cut above the crowd.