Embraer Legacy 500 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Gulfstream G280
The Embraer Legacy 500 and Gulfstream G280 are typically positioned as super‑midsize business jets, while the Embraer Legacy 650E is generally considered a larger heavy‑jet class aircraft aimed at more passengers and greater cabin volume. In range, the Legacy 500 is the shortest of the three, suited to medium‑to‑long missions but not true intercontinental flying. The G280 usually offers the longest range in this comparison, commonly used for longer nonstop city pairs that stretch beyond typical super‑midsize missions. The Legacy 650E sits between them on range in many planning scenarios, but emphasizes comfort and payload with a larger cabin rather than maximizing distance. For passenger capacity, the Legacy 650E typically carries the most, often configured for around a dozen or more passengers depending on layout. The Legacy 500 and G280 generally seat fewer, most often in the 8–10 passenger range, with the G280 and Legacy 500 favoring efficient, comfortable cabins for smaller groups on longer trips.
| Spec | Embraer Legacy 500 | Embraer Legacy 650E | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.74 | $ 8.41 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Embraer | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Legacy 500 | Legacy 650E | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3153 | 3980 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 14837 | 22510 | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,141 | $ 3,860 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Honeywell Primus Elite | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 481 | 458 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $20,000,000 | $26,500,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 10 |
| Connectivity | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.7 | 8.4 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 27140 | 21650 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 6000 | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF7500E | AE3007A2 | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 18 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7036 | 9020 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 1441 | 1901 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 1963 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.1 | 86.5 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 66.5 | 69.5 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 24.1 | 42.4 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 21.2 | 22.2 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.7 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 21.3 | 30.3 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 110 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 45 | 286 | 154 |