When I switch on the 'max defrost program', when getting in the car these cold mornings, the AC light comes on along with the window heater lights. I then have to switch it off individually. Why's that? Does it mean the AC is 'on' or just in some auto mode meaning it'll only come on once the frosty weather switches to tropical?

heating and cooling the air dries it for faster steam removal At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

"steam removal"

The AC dehumidifies the air but only works to around +3 degrees C

AC sends in dry air so it doesnt mist so its a must.

And of course with the ceramic heater it has the ability to lift the temperature almost immediately at start up.

Always thought the system worked very well in the FL2, now have it in the V70 and works even better, I'm well impressed (suspect commonality of parts behind the scenes).

Let the auto controls do their job, you paid a lot of money for the car, let it do what it's designed to do ...  Stornoway Grey GS ... What a fine motor ... but not any more ... ... psst look at my gallery!
Company cars ... a thing of the past - May 2013.

If you switch the AC off it is self defeating. The AC dries the air, hence removes condensation from the car windows, and speeds up demisting, and more importantly keeps the windows free of condensation once cleared  Freelander 2.2e HSE , Privacy, Fully debadged, 19" Chrome SHadow alloys

The Doc wrote:

"steam removal"

The AC dehumidifies the air but only works to around +3 degrees C

the thing is the car heats the air using the PTC then the aircon chills the air, causing the air to be dried in the same way as a de-humidifier works At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

I had a Focus 2 before have bought the Freelander. The Focus has an alike defrost system (or the Freelander has the alike system ). Focuses electronics switches off the AC itself if an outside temperature was being under +5 degrees. Does the Freelander have the such limitation? As far as I can see there has made than a removed condensate doesn't freeze into a draining tube. 
Freelander II 2,2 TD SE Stornoway Grey

Sorry for my wry English. I began to study it recently.
I'll be thankful for your corrections of my mistakes

I read on one of the LR workshop manuals that the system won't activate the AC compressor when the air temprature goes below 5C to prevent ice forming on the AC Evaparator, so it could be that AC is not really working even the light is on if the outside is cold. Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Auto
Zermatt Silver
Side Steps & Mud flaps

Thanks for all the valuable comments.
What surprises me is the manual doesn't explain the reason for having the AC on in cold weather. As I am not a motor car engineer, it just seems illogical at first sight.

oakwood wrote:

Thanks for all the valuable comments.
What surprises me is the manual doesn't explain the reason for having the AC on in cold weather. As I am not a motor car engineer, it just seems illogical at first sight.

The system is referred to these days as Climate Control as opposed to Air Condition which is normally associated with cooling the air rather than adjusting the air to the required temperature and humidity.

AC is what you find in cars in warmer climates where a heater is not fitted or required. 2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.