The car DOES utilize styling cues from the "old" 300's and the front end DOES remind many of the Bently, so what? So I guess that means that Bently is actually borrowing from the old 300's!
As for the styling as a whole, at first it kind of turned me off (and I still don't like the rear end), but like many other automotive designs these days, it actually takes some time to grow on you. Not unlike the CTS actually. The performance is great, although I've seen more 14's than 13's. Still, that's fast for a full-size car. The proof of any car is in the DRIVING, and this car is no exception, and this car shines there. If you're even remotely interested in the car, DRIVE one and you'll most likely BUY one. They are extremely tight and quiet on the road yet have a fairly compliant ride. The power is evident from virtually any speed but really pulls once in the beef of it's powerband. (Side note: the V6 version is also no sloutch.)
Unfortunately, to me, I just can't live with that interior. Beautiful car on the outside, great ride, plenty of power, plenty of room (although smallish trunk) but, that interior is terrible! The fit is good, but finish and materials are both sub-par for a car like this. In my book, it screams, "we ran out of money". Or more accurately, they were beginning to push their target price-point, and this is DEFINATELY where the 300 shines best. You can argue all day about many points on this car but one thing you can't argue is the fact that Chrysler gives you a hell of a lot for the money on this car. If you doubt that, just try to make a list of cars that are truely competition for the 300. A Grand Marquis?, A Deville? A Town Car? An Impala? I've heard of people cross-shopping the CTS but I think that's a stretch. No, I think Chrysler hit another home-run with the 300 and the way they're flying out of dealer lots is proof.