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Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400

The Cessna Citation XLS+ sits in the super light/midsize crossover class, typically carrying about 7–9 passengers with a range around 2,000–2,100 nautical miles, making it best for shorter regional missions. The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is a super midsize jet, commonly configured for about 8–10 passengers and offering roughly 3,300–3,400 nautical miles of range, balancing cabin comfort with transcontinental capability. The Gulfstream G280 is also super midsize but emphasizes speed and reach, generally seating about 8–10 passengers with about 3,600 nautical miles of range, often stretching farther than peers in its class. The Bombardier Challenger 650 moves up to the large-cabin category, typically accommodating about 9–12 passengers and flying about 4,000 nautical miles, with a notably wider cabin than super midsize jets. The Gulfstream G400 is a new-generation large-cabin jet above the G280, typically planned around 10–12 passengers with an advertised range near 4,200 nautical miles, targeting longer nonstop missions with a larger cabin footprint.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Bombardier Challenger 650Cessna Citation XLS+Gulfstream G280Gulfstream G400
Summary
Cockpit2222—
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 7.16$ 5.34$ 6.57—
Min Crew22224
Total Seats1011101012
ManufacturerBombardierBombardierCessna CitationGulfstreamGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500Challenger 650XLS+G280G400
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA—
Max Range (nm)34004085190636004200
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.80$ 0.67$ 0.82—
Max Cabin Seats101291019
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified—
Useful Load (lbs)159502105075401555030650
Standard Cabin Seats8988—
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 3,365$ 2,303$ 3,168—
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedRockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedRockwell Collins Pro Line 21Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533470430481539
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$32,400,000$15,500,000$24,900,00034500000
Cabin
Cockpit2222—
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing2 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing—
Min Crew2222—
Crew RestNoYesNoNo—
Jump SeatYesYesNoNo—
Total Seats10111010—
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWDFWD—
Max Cabin Seats1012910—
Lavatory LocationAFTFWD / AFTAFTAFT—
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.88.89.39.2—
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalleyGalley—
Standard Cabin Seats8988—
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23338230002523025000—
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)———5800—
Engine
FADECYesYesYesYes—
ModelHTF73500CF34-3B MTOPW545CHTF7250G—
TBO (hrs)On-ConditionOn-Condition5000On-Condition—
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 15ISA + 10ISA + 17—
Thrust (lbs)7323922041197624—
No. of Engines2222—
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.768.452.566.9—
Wingspan (ft)6964.456.363—
Aisle Step (ft)Flat FloorFlat Floor0.70.3—
Cabin Width (ft)7.27.95.56.9—
Cabin Height (ft)665.76.3—
Cabin Length (ft)25.225.618.525.9—
Overall Height (ft)2020.717.221.4—
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.16.93.95.4—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.615.414.317.7—
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)10611210154—
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)——80——