[Ian W XC60]

Originally Posted by Mrp140

Having a dog in the boot regularly, I don't seem to be able to 'reduce guard' the alarm system permanently. I have to go through the menus every time. ... Handbrake position was clearly an after thought by Volvo designers.

If it's any help, you can get it to offer reduced guard every time you turn the ignition off. If you want it, you press OK - if you don't just ignore it and full guard will be set. It's in MY CAR > Car settings if I remember correctly. Very handy if you regularly carry pets and leave them in the car from time to time.
As for the electric handbrake, it's been there since the Mk1 was introduced in 2009 I've always assumed it was because there wasn't really room for it where it should be near the the gear stick but it certainly was counter intuitive. However, after nearly 10yrs of 2 XC60's and about to move to another make where the electric handbrake is in the "right" position I found myself going to where the 60's one is located and to confuse me even more you hook the new one up to set it like a real handbrake! My saviour is that the newby will have autohold which sets it for you when you stop. Phew!!