Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Legacy 500 vs Gulfstream G650er
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Legacy 500 sit in the super-midsize category, while the Cessna Citation XLS+ is typically classified as a midsize/light-midsize jet, and the Gulfstream G650ER is an ultra-long-range large-cabin flagship. In range, the XLS+ is best suited to shorter regional and transcontinental trips (roughly around 2,000 nautical miles, depending on conditions), whereas the Legacy 500 and Challenger 3500 extend into longer transcontinental missions (about the 3,000–3,400 nautical mile class). The G650ER stands apart with true intercontinental capability, commonly cited around 7,500 nautical miles, enabling nonstop city pairs that the others cannot approach. Passenger capacity broadly scales with cabin size: the XLS+ typically seats about 7–9, the Legacy 500 about 8–12, and the Challenger 3500 about 8–10 in typical executive layouts. The G650ER usually accommodates around 11–18 depending on configuration, and offers by far the most space for working, resting, and longer-duration comfort.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Legacy 500 | Gulfstream G650ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 5.34 | $ 6.74 | $ 9.39 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | XLS+ | Legacy 500 | G650ER |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 1906 | 3153 | 7500 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.78 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 | 12 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 7540 | 14837 | 49500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 9 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 2,303 | $ 3,141 | $ 4,844 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Gulfstream PlaneView II (Primus Epic) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 430 | 481 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $15,500,000 | $20,000,000 | $60,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | Yes |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 | 12 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.3 | 9.7 | 10.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 9 | 12 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 25230 | 27140 | 31900 |
| Connectivity | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6000 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | PW545C | HTF7500E | BR725 A1-12 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 4119 | 7036 | 16900 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 1441 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 1963 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 52.5 | 68.1 | 99.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 56.3 | 66.5 | 99.6 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.7 | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 5.5 | 6.8 | 8.2 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 5.7 | 6 | 6.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 18.5 | 24.1 | 46.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 17.2 | 21.2 | 25.7 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 6.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 14.3 | 21.3 | 32.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 10 | 45 | 235 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 80 | 110 | — |