Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Legacy 450 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Gulfstream G400
By category, the Cessna Citation XLS+ and Embraer Phenom 300E sit in the light to “super light” class, aimed at shorter missions and lower operating costs, while the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Legacy 450 compete in the super‑midsize class with larger cabins and longer legs. The Gulfstream G400 is a large‑cabin, long‑range jet, positioned well above the others in size and intercontinental capability. On range, the Phenom 300E and XLS+ generally cover typical regional and mid‑continental trips at roughly about 2,000–2,200 nautical miles, while the Legacy 450 and Challenger 3500 step up to around 2,900–3,400 nautical miles, enabling more nonstop transcontinental missions. The G400 extends farthest at roughly about 4,200+ nautical miles, supporting many transoceanic city pairs. For passenger capacity, the Phenom 300E and XLS+ are commonly configured for about 7–9 passengers. The Legacy 450 and Challenger 3500 typically seat about 8–10 with more comfort and baggage volume. The G400 generally accommodates about 10–14 depending on layout, with the most spacious cabin.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Legacy 450 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 5.34 | $ 6.04 | $ 3.88 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | XLS+ | Legacy 450 | Phenom 300E | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 1906 | 2973 | 2,010 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.86 | $ 0.55 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 7540 | 12908 | 6914 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 2,303 | $ 2,790 | $ 1,758 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 430 | 481 | 464 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $15,500,000 | $16,995,000 | $9,650,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.3 | 9.7 | 9.4 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 25230 | 27110 | 25560 | — |
| Connectivity | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6000 | — | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | HTF73500 | PW545C | HTF7500E | Canada PW535E1 | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 4119 | 6540 | 3360 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 1404 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 1932 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 52.5 | 64.6 | 51.2 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 56.3 | 66.5 | 52.16 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.7 | Flat Floor | 0.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 5.5 | 6.9 | 5.1 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 5.7 | 6 | 4.9 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 18.5 | 20.6 | 17.2 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 17.2 | 21.1 | 16.75 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 3.6 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 14.3 | 17.4 | 14.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 10 | 40 | 10 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 80 | 110 | 74 | — |