Challenger 3500 vs Challenger 604
The Challenger 3500 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Bombardier Aviation Challenger 3500 (introduced 2022) beside the Bombardier Aviation Challenger 604 (introduced 1996) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the Challenger 604 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Challenger 3500 vs Challenger 604: the key differences
- The Challenger 604 delivers 18% more range (Challenger 3500: 3,400 nm; Challenger 604: 4,027 nm).
- The Challenger 3500 delivers 2% more cruise speed (Challenger 3500: 470 kt; Challenger 604: 459 kt).
- The Challenger 3500 delivers 11% more passenger capacity (Challenger 3500: 10 seats; Challenger 604: 9 seats).
- The Challenger 3500 is the newer design (introduced 2022 versus 1996 for the Challenger 604), a gap of 26 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Challenger 604 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (47,600 lbs versus 38,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Challenger 604 is the stronger fit for long-haul and transatlantic missions — its 4,027 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Challenger 3500, at 3,400 nm, is better matched to transcontinental missions, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the Challenger 3500's range, the Challenger 604's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Challenger 604 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Challenger 3500 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Challenger 3500 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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Challenger 3500 vs Challenger 604: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Challenger 3500 or the Challenger 604?
The Challenger 604 has the longer published range — 4,027 nm versus 3,400 nm for the Challenger 3500.
Does the Challenger 3500 or Challenger 604 seat more passengers?
The Challenger 3500 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 9 on the Challenger 604.
Which is faster, the Challenger 3500 or the Challenger 604?
The Challenger 3500 cruises faster, at 470 kt versus 459 kt for the Challenger 604.
Which is newer, the Challenger 3500 or the Challenger 604?
The Challenger 3500 is the newer design, introduced in 2022 versus 1996 for the Challenger 604.
Is the Challenger 3500 or the Challenger 604 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Challenger 604 is the larger aircraft — 47,600 lbs versus 38,000 lbs for the Challenger 3500.
Should I buy the Challenger 3500 or the Challenger 604?
Choose the Challenger 604 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Challenger 3500 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Challenger 3500 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Challenger 3500 vs Challenger 604?
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.