Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 650 and Embraer Legacy 650E are both large-cabin business jets suited to transcontinental missions, while the Gulfstream G400 is a newer-generation long-range large-cabin jet positioned a step up in performance. In range, the Challenger 650 is typically cited around 4,000 nautical miles class, the Legacy 650E about 3,900–4,000 nautical miles class, and the G400 notably longer at roughly 4,200+ nautical miles class depending on configuration and reserves. Passenger capacity is similar on paper across all three, but their typical comfortable layouts differ: the Challenger 650 generally seats about 10–12 in executive comfort (with higher maximums possible), the Legacy 650E is commonly configured for about 12–13 with a longer cabin feel, and the G400 typically targets about 10–12 in premium long-range layouts. Overall, Challenger 650 emphasizes proven reliability and cabin comfort, Legacy 650E emphasizes cabin length and seating flexibility, and G400 emphasizes longer legs and newer avionics/aerodynamics for higher-performance missions.
| 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 | — |