Gulfstream G500: The Complete Buyer's Guide
The Short Version
The Gulfstream G500 (GVII designation) is Gulfstream's large-cabin entry point, delivering 5,300 nautical miles of range at Mach 0.85 in a wide-body cabin. First delivered in 2018, it slots between the super-midsize category and the G650 class, offering a compelling blend of range, speed, cabin comfort, and operating efficiency. Pre-owned examples trade between $28M and $42M.
At a Glance
Operational Reach
What Makes the G500 Different
1. Wide-body cabin at a narrow-body price
The G500's cabin is 7'7" wide — wider than the G550 (7'4") and dramatically wider than super-midsize competitors. Stand-up headroom throughout and genuine flat-floor design make it feel like a much larger aircraft.
2. Mach 0.85 as standard cruise
Most aircraft in this price range cruise at Mach 0.80. The G500 routinely cruises at Mach 0.85 — roughly 30 knots faster, saving 15–20 minutes on a 5-hour flight. Over a year, the time savings are meaningful.
3. Modern technology throughout
The G500 was a clean-sheet design with Gulfstream's Symmetry Flight Deck, active control sidesticks, touchscreen avionics, and low cabin altitude (4,850 ft at FL510). It's genuinely modern — unlike the G550, which shows its 2003 design roots.
Who Is This Aircraft For?
- ●Operators who've outgrown super-midsize jets but don't need G650-class range.
- ●Transcontinental travelers flying routes like New York to London, Dubai to Moscow, or Los Angeles to Honolulu.
- ●Speed-conscious operators — Mach 0.85 standard cruise is faster than anything in its price range.
- ●Owners who value cabin environment — the low cabin altitude, large windows, and quiet cabin are exceptional.
When It's Not the Right Fit
- ●If your mission profile regularly includes nonstop transatlantic crossings in both directions, the G500's 5,300 NM range may be marginal against headwinds. A G600 or G650 gives you the margin you need.
- ●If most flights are under 1,500 NM, a super-midsize jet does the job at significantly lower cost.
What It Costs to Own and Operate
Acquisition (Pre-Owned)
Annual Fixed Costs
Variable Costs
The Pre-Owned Market Right Now
Market research reviewed October 8, 2026. Figures below retain their source dates and measurement basis.
Q3 2026 advertised G500 asking prices ranged from $35M to $43.95M.
JetsIntel's September 2026 market database tracks 17 G500 aircraft; this is a different source population from the broker report and is not an extra count to add to it.
Holstein's comparative snapshot, with model sales dates through August 2026, gives 2 months of absorption for the G500. This offers a separate measure of listed supply relative to its observed trading pace.
Our reading: use the dated G500-specific offers as the acquisition reference and compare aircraft of similar vintage. A seller's advertised figure establishes an offer level, while the supply and sales measures help assess how much alternative inventory a buyer may have.
JetsIntel, September 2026 model coverage
Holstein Aviation, latest snapshot through August 2026
Model market source: Hagerty Jet Group, Q3 2026 (September 30 snapshot)
What to Watch For When Buying
1. PW814GA Engine Maturity
The Pratt & Whitney PW814GA is a relatively new engine. It's performed well, but field experience is limited. Ensure the aircraft is enrolled in an engine maintenance program (Eagle Service Plan or equivalent).
2. Symmetry Flight Deck Software
Early-delivery G500s may need avionics software updates. Gulfstream has released several updates since first delivery. Confirm the aircraft is at the latest software revision.
3. Interior Configuration Differences
G500 cabins are configured as 3-zone layouts, but specifics vary significantly. Galley position, lavatory count, and crew rest area all affect livability. A reconfiguration can run $1.5M–$3M.
4. Steep Approach Certification
In January 2026, the G500 received EASA steep-approach certification for airports like London City. Verify the aircraft has the necessary equipment and certification compliance.
5. Warranty and Support Transfers
For younger aircraft, confirm remaining Gulfstream warranty coverage and whether support agreements transfer to the new owner.
G500 vs. The Competition
| Aircraft | Range | Max Speed | Cabin W | Cabin L | Pax | New Price | Pre-Owned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfstream G550 | 6,750 NM | Mach 0.885 | 7'4" | 43'11" | 12–18 | Discontinued (historical) | ~$8M (historical) |
| Bombardier Challenger 650 | 4,000 NM | Mach 0.85 | 7'11" | 28'5" | 10–12 | ~$36M (historical) | ~$8M (historical) |
| Dassault Falcon 2000LXS | 4,000 NM | Mach 0.862 | 7'8" | 26'2" | 8–10 | ~$36M (historical) | ~$8M (historical) |
Gulfstream G550
Bombardier Challenger 650
Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
vs. Gulfstream G550
The G550 offers more range and a longer cabin, with pre-owned examples starting at $8M. But the G500 has newer technology, lower fuel burn, and a modern cockpit.
vs. Bombardier Challenger 650
The Challenger has a wider cabin but significantly less range and a shorter cabin. The G500 is in a different class for transcontinental missions.
vs. Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
The Falcon is proven and efficient with excellent short-field performance, but smaller in every dimension. The G500 offers 1,300 NM more range and a much larger cabin.
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Source a G500 →Frequently Asked Questions
5,300 nautical miles at Mach 0.85. That covers New York to London, Dubai to Singapore, or Los Angeles to Honolulu with reserves.
Reviewed October 8, 2026: $35M–$43.95M asking (Q3 2026). This describes the dated public sample or position identified in the market overview, rather than a price for every aircraft of this model. The market overview links the source and explains the sample.
No. The current G500 (GVII designation, first delivery 2018) is completely different from the older G500 (GV-SP designation), which was a reduced-range variant of the G550.
The G600 is a stretched version with a longer cabin (45'2" vs. 41'6") and more range (6,600 NM vs. 5,300 NM). Same engines, same cockpit, same technology.
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA engines, each producing 15,144 lbs of thrust. Part of the PW800 engine family developed specifically for Gulfstream.
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Initiate Private ConsultationLast updated: 2026-10-08