Bombardier Challenger 350 vs Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Embraer Legacy 500
All three are midsize business jets, but they emphasize different strengths. The Bombardier Challenger 3500 sits in the super‑midsize category and is typically positioned as the most spacious and comfort‑oriented of the three, with a common passenger load of about 8 to 10 and a range around 3,400 nautical miles, making it well suited to longer transcontinental missions with a full cabin. The Cessna Citation Sovereign+ is also generally classed as a super‑midsize jet, known for efficient high‑speed cruise and strong short‑field performance. It usually carries roughly 8 to 9 passengers and offers a range of about 3,200 nautical miles, fitting many coast‑to‑coast U.S. trips with typical payloads. The Embraer Legacy 500 is a midsize jet, often chosen for modern avionics and a comfortable stand‑up‑style cabin feel for its class. It commonly seats about 8 to 10 passengers and has a range around 3,100 nautical miles, slightly shorter than the other two but still solid for many longer domestic or regional routes.
| Spec | Cessna Citation Sovereign+ | Embraer Legacy 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.02 | $ 6.74 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | Sovereign + | Legacy 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3138 | 3153 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.84 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 12790 | 14837 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,699 | $ 3,141 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 458 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $19,730,000 | $20,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 27140 |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6000 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW306D | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | 6000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 16 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 5907 | 7036 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 1700 | 1963 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1441 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.5 | 68.1 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 72.4 | 66.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 6.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.3 | 24.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.4 | 21.2 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 17.4 | 21.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 100 | 110 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 35 | 45 |