To be fair, I don't think the original was designed with any more capability in mind. It was a cheap cash-in on lower rent Japanese products meant for a larger market than the Range Rover or Defender.
It was designed for yuppies. We're all driving vehicles Land Rover intended for soccer moms and their unimaginative husbands. A little more luck and a little less intent played a part in the success of that thing off-pavement. If they'd had the ability to build the D5 in 1989, I think they would have.
In their own words, it was a "lifestyle accessory", which I find interesting. I think that's what the new Defender should have been.
Land Rover, for all their foolishness, is on the bleeding edge of style and substance at all times, and never manages to realize it. They're aped constantly by other manufacturers with little credit observed.
So, when they mention that they're worried the Defender will be copied, they're actually making sense, to a degree. What they fail to realize it that it'll be copied either way, and that it's better to ride the hype then let it get out of hand.
I do think the new Discovery is a beautiful vehicle at this time. It just took me a while to appreciate it, which is one indicator of good design; it needs to push the limits just a touch without going too far. The capability is there, just not the convenience. In my opinion, it feels dramatically over-priced, but in the real world it's not too unreasonable when increased technology, regulation, and inflation are accounted for.
I'm about 3/4 through a concept of what I think Land Rover's next vehicle should be right now, to develop a more grounded and approachable brand image, and it does fit into their modern direction while retaining utility. Been at it off and on for a week or so.
Cheers,
Kennith