I know it's already been mentioned.. but Canyon again. They're are certainly on par, possibly above many of the 'top tier' makers you've mentioned. You might consider them as a lower end manufacturer due to their very competitive prices.. because they have a direct sales business model. They are very 'German' in both aesthetics and performance, i.e. matte black/gloss black - smart and subtle, and with high end models such as the Ultimate CF and Aeroad being very pedal efficient, possibly a bit harsh without a flexy seatpost. In the flesh they are very attractive and unique bikes.
P.s. I don't own a Canyon, but I've ridden both of the above mentioned models plus 2 friends of mine own the Ultimate CF model.
I know it's already been mentioned.. but Canyon again. They're are certainly on par, possibly above many of the 'top tier' makers you've mentioned. You might consider them as a lower end manufacturer due to their very competitive prices.. because they have a direct sales business model. They are very 'German' in both aesthetics and performance, i.e. matte black/gloss black - smart and subtle, and with high end models such as the Ultimate CF and Aeroad being very pedal efficient, possibly a bit harsh without a flexy seatpost. In the flesh they are very attractive and unique bikes.
P.s. I don't own a Canyon, but I've ridden both of the above mentioned models plus 2 friends of mine own the Ultimate CF model.