Challenger 604 vs G500
The G500 leads, topping 7 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Bombardier Aviation Challenger 604 (introduced 1996) against the Gulfstream Aerospace G500 (introduced 2018) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the G500 carries more passengers. undefined
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Challenger 604 vs G500: the key differences
- The G500 delivers 29% more range (Challenger 604: 4,027 nm; G500: 5,200 nm).
- The G500 delivers 6% more cruise speed (Challenger 604: 459 kt; G500: 488 kt).
- The G500 delivers 111% more passenger capacity (Challenger 604: 9 seats; G500: 19 seats).
- The G500 is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 1996 for the Challenger 604), a gap of 22 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The G500 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (91,400 lbs versus 47,600 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for long-haul and transatlantic missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the G500 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the G500 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Challenger 604 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.
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Challenger 604 vs G500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Challenger 604 or the G500?
The G500 has the longer published range — 5,200 nm versus 4,027 nm for the Challenger 604.
Does the Challenger 604 or G500 seat more passengers?
The G500 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 9 on the Challenger 604.
Which is faster, the Challenger 604 or the G500?
The G500 cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 459 kt for the Challenger 604.
Which is newer, the Challenger 604 or the G500?
The G500 is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 1996 for the Challenger 604.
Is the Challenger 604 or the G500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the G500 is the larger aircraft — 91,400 lbs versus 47,600 lbs for the Challenger 604.
Should I buy the Challenger 604 or the G500?
On published specifications the G500 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Challenger 604 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 Challenger 604 vs G500?
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.