Is it (really) better to heat the car while plugged in?

Here's the list of requirement from the app:

That's super interesting. Is all that data available via, e.g. Torque Pro? I can't turn on accessories with the "start climate" presets right now - that box will not stay ticked in the app. I think it works if I use the "Climate Start Without Presents" button.

 

Assuming you're talking about the app and not something on the car, "yes." At least I think so; my screens aren't quite labeled as you say—maybe an Android vs iphone difference or something. I have no "Climate Settings" nor "Favorites." If I hit the main-screen "Climate Start" button I get a list of presets—that's the only way to get to that list that I've found.

I can click "edit settings" for each of the 4 presets (no way to make additional ones):

I can tick that bottom box all day, hit apply, and it never changes the icon on the first screen nor remains checked if I return to the settings. Just a programming bug, I'm sure.