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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.

SpecBombardier Challenger 650Cessna Citation Sovereign+Embraer Legacy 500Gulfstream G400
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 7.16$ 6.02$ 6.74
Min Crew2224
Total Seats11111012
ManufacturerBombardierCessna CitationEmbraerGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 650Sovereign +Legacy 500G400
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4085313831534200
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.80$ 0.67$ 0.84
Max Cabin Seats12121219
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)21050127901483730650
Standard Cabin Seats999
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,365$ 2,699$ 3,141
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedGarmin G5000Rockwell Collins Pro Line FusionGulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)470458481539
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$32,400,000$19,730,000$20,000,00034500000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory2 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew222
Crew RestYesNoNo
Jump SeatYesNoNo
Total Seats111110
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats121212
Lavatory LocationFWD / AFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.89.39.7
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats999
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)230002523027140
ConnectivityGogo AVANCE L5
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)6000
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelCF34-3B MTOPW306DHTF7500E
TBO (hrs)On-Condition6000On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 16ISA + 18
Thrust (lbs)922059077036
No. of Engines222
Fuel Capacity (gal)17001963
Fuel Burn (lbph)1441
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.463.568.1
Wingspan (ft)64.472.466.5
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor0.7Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)7.95.56.8
Cabin Height (ft)65.76
Cabin Length (ft)25.625.324.1
Overall Height (ft)20.720.421.2
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)6.93.94.7
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)15.417.421.3
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1123545
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)100110