I've always liked Volvos. I like the S60 a lot, especially with the D5 motor (actually it's the only one I drove).

I drove some V50s (diesel), because I love the look and especially the clean and zen interior. I have to say, I was deceived by it. The interior looks superb, yet the materials don't feel nearly as solid as in the Germans. It's a bit on the cheap side, even if the dash itself is made of an upscale material, the accessories, buttons feels a bit light. However, I'm quite sensitive in that aspect, so maybe it's not that dramatic.

Concerning the drive: well, trouble is, you clearly feel the Focus under it. It's reasonably comfortable, quite nimble, feels good, not too noisy.
However, you never have this upscale feeling, this premium feel you have in A4, 3er or C-Class. It's quite average to drive. In the 3 Germans, you clearly have something more.

So I would say: a good car, offering very good value for money, with a really stylish interior, but not really at the same level as the Germans. However, you're doing nothing wrong by choosing such a car!