Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and Embraer Legacy 650E are typically positioned as large-cabin business jets suited to transcontinental missions, while the Gulfstream G400 is generally regarded as a newer-generation large-cabin jet aimed at longer-range, higher-speed travel. In range terms, the Challenger 650 is commonly quoted around 4,000 nautical miles, enabling many North America transcontinental and some North Atlantic city pairs with favorable winds. The Legacy 650E is usually listed slightly higher, about 4,200 nautical miles, giving it a modest edge on longer legs. The Gulfstream G400 is marketed in a higher bracket, roughly 4,200 nautical miles as well, but with Gulfstream’s typical emphasis on speed and long-range cruise efficiency depending on payload and conditions. For passenger capacity, all three can be configured broadly similarly, but typical layouts differ: Challenger 650 cabins often seat about 8–12, the Legacy 650E frequently about 10–13, and the G400 commonly about 10–12, with maximum certified seating varying by configuration.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Legacy 650E | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 8.41 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Legacy 650E | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 3980 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.70 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 22510 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 3,860 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus Elite | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 458 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $26,500,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | — |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | — |
| Total Seats | 11 | 14 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.4 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 21650 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | AE3007A2 | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 9020 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1901 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 86.5 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 69.5 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 6.9 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 42.4 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 22.2 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 5.2 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 30.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 286 | — |