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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.

SpecCessna Citation Sovereign+Embraer Legacy 500
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 6.02$ 6.74
Min Crew22
Total Seats1110
ManufacturerCessna CitationEmbraer
Aircraft NameSovereign +Legacy 500
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)31383153
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.67$ 0.84
Max Cabin Seats1212
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)1279014837
Standard Cabin Seats99
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,699$ 3,141
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G5000Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)458481
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$19,730,000$20,000,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew22
Crew RestNoNo
Jump SeatNoNo
Total Seats1110
Galley LocationFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats1212
Lavatory LocationAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.39.7
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats99
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2523027140
ConnectivityGogo AVANCE L5
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)6000
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelPW306DHTF7500E
TBO (hrs)6000On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 16ISA + 18
Thrust (lbs)59077036
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)17001963
Fuel Burn (lbph)1441
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.568.1
Wingspan (ft)72.466.5
Aisle Step (ft)0.7Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)5.56.8
Cabin Height (ft)5.76
Cabin Length (ft)25.324.1
Overall Height (ft)20.421.2
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.94.7
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17.421.3
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)100110
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)3545