Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and Embraer Legacy 650E are large-cabin business jets often compared for similar mission profiles, while the Gulfstream G400 is a newer, longer-range large-cabin jet positioned a step up in capability. In category terms, the Challenger 650 is a large-cabin jet emphasizing cabin comfort and airport flexibility; the Legacy 650E is also a large-cabin jet, derived from an airliner platform, known for generous cabin volume; and the G400 sits in the large-cabin, long-range segment with more modern systems and performance expectations. For range, the Challenger 650 is typically around 4,000 nautical miles class, the Legacy 650E is in a similar but slightly higher bracket around the 3,900–4,100 nautical mile class depending on reserves and assumptions, and the G400 is notably longer-range at about 4,200 nautical miles. For passenger capacity, all three commonly seat roughly 10 to 13 passengers in typical executive layouts, with maximum certified seating generally higher, and the Legacy 650E often configured toward the upper end due to its long, three-zone cabin.
| 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 | — |