Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Gulfstream G280
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 sit in the super‑midsize category, while the Embraer Legacy 650E is typically classed as a large‑cabin business jet. For range, the G280 generally leads this group at roughly 3,600 nautical miles, the Challenger 3500 follows at about 3,400 nautical miles, and the Legacy 650E is close behind at around 3,300–3,400 nautical miles, depending on conditions and configuration. In passenger capacity, the Legacy 650E is the clear outlier because of its larger cabin: it commonly seats 13, with some layouts accommodating up to about 14. The Challenger 3500 and G280 are usually configured for about 8–10 passengers, though both can be arranged to carry more in higher‑density layouts. Overall, choose the Legacy 650E if cabin size and headcount matter most, the G280 if you prioritize longest super‑midsize range, and the Challenger 3500 for a strong balance of range and modern super‑midsize comfort.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Embraer Legacy 650E | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 8.41 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Legacy 650E | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 3980 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 22510 | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,860 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus Elite | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 458 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $26,500,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.4 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 21650 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | AE3007A2 | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9020 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1901 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 86.5 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 69.5 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 42.4 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 22.2 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 30.3 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 286 | 154 |