Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Legacy 500 vs Gulfstream G650er
The Bombardier Challenger 650, Cessna Citation XLS+, and Embraer Legacy 500 are all business jets but span different size categories and missions, while the Gulfstream G650ER sits in a separate long-range flagship class. The Citation XLS+ is typically considered a super-midsize jet with transcontinental capability in favorable conditions; it commonly carries about 8 to 9 passengers and offers roughly 2,100 nautical miles of range. The Legacy 500 is also super-midsize, generally seating 8 to 12 with about 3,100 nautical miles of range, making it better suited to longer city pairs than the XLS+. The Challenger 650 is usually classed as a large-cabin jet, often configured for 10 to 12 passengers, and delivers about 4,000 nautical miles of range, combining a roomier cabin with true coast-to-coast and some transoceanic flexibility. The G650ER is an ultra-long-range large-cabin jet, typically seating 14 to 19 depending on layout, with around 7,500 nautical miles of range, enabling nonstop intercontinental routes.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Legacy 500 | Gulfstream G650ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 5.34 | $ 6.74 | $ 9.39 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 10 | 14 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | XLS+ | Legacy 500 | G650ER |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 1906 | 3153 | 7500 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.78 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 9 | 12 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 7540 | 14837 | 49500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 | 9 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 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) | 470 | 430 | 481 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $15,500,000 | $20,000,000 | $60,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 10 | 14 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 9 | 12 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / 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 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 12 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 25230 | 27140 | 31900 |
| Connectivity | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6000 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | 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) | 9220 | 4119 | 7036 | 16900 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 1441 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 1963 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 52.5 | 68.1 | 99.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 56.3 | 66.5 | 99.6 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.7 | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 5.5 | 6.8 | 8.2 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 5.7 | 6 | 6.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 18.5 | 24.1 | 46.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 17.2 | 21.2 | 25.7 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 6.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 14.3 | 21.3 | 32.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 10 | 45 | 235 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 80 | 110 | — |