Whether BMW is the new leader in German design is purely subjective, so I doubt that is the case.
I think it's more the notion that BMW has broken the shackles of the image it used to have with its cars, ..that being a car which pleased the eyes of all, whether you were a BMW fan, or a Mercedes fan or whoever.
Now that they've shaken that image off with their bold new direction in design,..I think Lexus has realised that it can not solely rely on it's reputation of being reliable, ..that it's vehicle must also somehow be a symbol of Lexus and the direction that its heading.
BMW realised this a decade ago when the 7er was being designed. Lexus is instigating the same process in the last few years.
That's my take on Lexus and their designs.
