King Air 360 vs M500
The King Air 360 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
The Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air 360 (introduced 2021) and the Piper Aircraft M500 (introduced 2015) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the King Air 360 has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
King Air 360 vs M500: the key differences
- The King Air 360 delivers 154% more range (King Air 360: 2,539 nm; M500: 1,000 nm).
- The King Air 360 delivers 20% more cruise speed (King Air 360: 312 kt; M500: 260 kt).
- The King Air 360 delivers 120% more passenger capacity (King Air 360: 11 seats; M500: 5 seats).
- The King Air 360 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2015 for the M500), a gap of 6 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The King Air 360 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (15,000 lbs versus 5,092 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the King Air 360 runs 2 engines against 1 on the M500 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The King Air 360 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,539 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The M500, at 1,000 nm, is better matched to regional and short-to-medium legs, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the M500's range, the King Air 360's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the King Air 360 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The M500 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
King Air 360 vs M500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the King Air 360 or the M500?
The King Air 360 has the longer published range — 2,539 nm versus 1,000 nm for the M500.
Does the King Air 360 or M500 seat more passengers?
The King Air 360 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 5 on the M500.
Which is faster, the King Air 360 or the M500?
The King Air 360 cruises faster, at 312 kt versus 260 kt for the M500.
Which is newer, the King Air 360 or the M500?
The King Air 360 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2015 for the M500.
Is the King Air 360 or the M500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the King Air 360 is the larger aircraft — 15,000 lbs versus 5,092 lbs for the M500.
Should I buy the King Air 360 or the M500?
On published specifications the King Air 360 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The M500 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the King Air 360 vs M500?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.