Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Embraer Legacy 500 vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and Cessna Citation Sovereign+ are typically positioned in the super‑midsize class, while the Embraer Legacy 500 is also a super‑midsize competitor with a newer-generation cabin design; the Gulfstream G400 sits a step above as a large‑cabin, long‑range business jet. In range terms, the Citation Sovereign+ is generally optimized for medium-to-long domestic missions at roughly 3,000 nautical miles, the Challenger 650 commonly reaches about 4,000 nautical miles, and the Legacy 500 falls in between at around 3,100–3,200 nautical miles depending on conditions. The G400 is designed for significantly longer legs, on the order of about 4,000+ nautical miles, with stronger long-range cruise capability. Typical passenger capacity is similar across the three super‑midsize jets, commonly seating about 8–12 passengers in executive layouts, with maximum configurations higher; the G400 generally carries a similar headcount but in a larger, more spacious cabin, often arranged for 10–14 passengers depending on configuration.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Cessna Citation Sovereign+ | Embraer Legacy 500 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 6.02 | $ 6.74 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Sovereign + | Legacy 500 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 3138 | 3153 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.84 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 12 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 12790 | 14837 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | 9 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 2,699 | $ 3,141 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Garmin G5000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 458 | 481 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $19,730,000 | $20,000,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 11 | 11 | 10 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 | 12 | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.3 | 9.7 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | 9 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 25230 | 27140 | — |
| Connectivity | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6000 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | PW306D | HTF7500E | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 6000 | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 16 | ISA + 18 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 5907 | 7036 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 1700 | 1963 | — |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 1441 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 63.5 | 68.1 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 72.4 | 66.5 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.7 | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 5.5 | 6.8 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 5.7 | 6 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 25.3 | 24.1 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 20.4 | 21.2 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 3.9 | 4.7 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 17.4 | 21.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 35 | 45 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 100 | 110 | — |