Cessna Citation Sovereign vs Embraer Legacy 500
The Cessna Citation Sovereign+ and Embraer Legacy 500 both sit in the midsize/super-midsize business jet space, but they emphasize slightly different missions. The Sovereign+ is generally positioned as a super-midsize jet optimized for efficient long-ish legs and strong runway performance, with an IFR range around 3,000 nautical miles depending on configuration and conditions. The Legacy 500 is typically described as a midsize jet with a similar real-world mission profile, offering an IFR range in the roughly 3,000 nautical mile class as well, again varying with payload, winds, and reserves. In cabin capacity, both commonly fly with about 8 to 10 passengers in typical executive layouts, though maximum certified seating can be higher depending on the interior and operator choices. In practice, buyers often choose the Sovereign+ for a slightly more traditional super-midsize operating niche and proven efficiency, while the Legacy 500 is frequently favored for its modern cabin design and fly-by-wire handling, with broadly comparable range and passenger capability.
| Spec | Cessna Citation Sovereign+ | Embraer Legacy 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.02 | $ 6.74 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | Sovereign + | Legacy 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3138 | 3153 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.84 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 12790 | 14837 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,699 | $ 3,141 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G5000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 458 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $19,730,000 | $20,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 12 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 27140 |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6000 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW306D | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | 6000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 16 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 5907 | 7036 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 1700 | 1963 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1441 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.5 | 68.1 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 72.4 | 66.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 6.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.3 | 24.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.4 | 21.2 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 17.4 | 21.3 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 100 | 110 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 35 | 45 |