Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Bombardier Global 6500 vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large-cabin business jet typically positioned for shorter long-range missions, offering about 4,000 nautical miles of range and usually seating around 8–12 passengers, with a practical emphasis on comfortable transcontinental flying and strong airport versatility. The Bombardier Global 6500 steps into the ultra-long-range category, stretching capability to roughly 6,600 nautical miles and commonly accommodating about 10–16 passengers, making it better suited to frequent intercontinental missions with more cabin volume and higher-end amenities. The Gulfstream G400 sits in the large-cabin, long-range class between these two: it’s designed for roughly 4,200 nautical miles of range and typically seats around 8–12 passengers, targeting transoceanic-capable missions on many city pairs while keeping operating economics and cabin size closer to the large-cabin segment than true ultra-long-range aircraft. Overall, the Challenger 650 prioritizes proven large-cabin comfort on shorter long-range routes, the Global 6500 maximizes intercontinental reach and space, and the G400 aims to split the difference with modern Gulfstream design and mid-to-upper long-range performance.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Bombardier Global 6500 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 9.49 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Global 6500 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 6600 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.68 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 17 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | — | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 4,895 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Bombardier Vision (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 504 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $56,000,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | — |
| Crew Rest | Yes | Yes | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 17 | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | FWD / AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | — | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | — | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | Pearl | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | — | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 15125 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 99.5 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 94 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 8 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.2 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 43.3 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 25.5 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | — | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | — | — |