The C230 looks like the world's most expensive Kia Spectra but with a more boring interior.

Once again, see it in person before you judge. When I first saw pictures of the new C-Class, I thought it looked like the new Sebring with a three-pointed-star badge. When I saw it in person, it took my breath away. Competes with the E46 3-Series for the "best-looking German sedan ever" award, in my opinion.
Actually, I HAVE seen it in person, and I still think it looks too much like the Spectra, especially the shape of the grill and headlights. Even the mesh in the lower grill opening looks the same. Not very distinctive at all IMO, and the shape of the greenhouse is quite generic with the exception of the slightly bowed beltline.
Acres of gray plastic and leatherette (which is nothing but gentrified VINYL) = boring in this price range.

I’m going to agree with Mitlov here as I have also spent some time checking out the new C class. Styling is subjective but you have clearly breached an intellectual threshold in this regards and have no idea what you are talking about.