Global Express XRS: It Means Business

Photo: Bombardier Aerospace

Alternative: Gulfstream G550; 
On Ground: Bentley Arnage

The pinnacle of Bombardier’s three families. The biggest and most expensive, with the best range. Not as often seen in the movies as its arch-rival though.


Comfort
Max space for a traditional business jet. Let the designers have a go at the interior – they have enough to play around with. Multiple windows let in sufficient light, and the divan at the back will get you some nice sleep over an intercontinental flight.

Technology
A lot of the technology has stayed the same since the first GLEX entered service in the 90s. It’s good stuff, but not cutting-edge. Pilots will soon get the new Global Vision flight deck, while the engines are the Rolls-Royce BR710 – same as on the Gulfstream G550.

Photo: Bombardier Aerospace

Cool
You have to see some planes once to remember them forever. Others have you completely enchanted, but your feelings lose acuteness once you’ve been separated for a while – that’s the XRS. A little too conservative to be sexy. On the other hand, who said it should be?

Flight
It must’ve inherited the rate of climb from them Learjets, which in turn inherited it from a fighter plane. It keeps you pinned to your chair on takeoff. The legs are extra-long-distance, don’t forget your iPad and go easy on the drinks!

Quality
Everything is top-notch, and the price is on par. Bizjets of this class have no excuse for shortcomings, but according to the AIN Product Support Survey the Globals are lagging far behind competition and their own siblings in aftersale service.

Photo: Bombardier Aerospace

Practicality
The XRS looks and feels more practical than the airplanes that seem obsessed with their movie career, although it costs more. Perhaps it’s because of the more spacious cabin and lower operating costs. And the “I’m all about business” appearance.

Costs
An ultra-long-range business jet is the most expensive thing money can buy – outside an airliner that you only need if you’re an oligarch or have 20 people accompanying you on trips. And the XRS is the most expensive of the three comparable ULRs on the market.

Verdict
It’s comfortable and flies very far. And you don’t feel as if you’re in a movie set wherever you land.

Overall: 10 of 13

Specifications

Price	$50 277 000
Variable Costs	$4388.17
MTOW	98000 lbs (44452) kg
Seats	8-12
Cabin Size (LxHxW)	48'4"x6'3"x8'2" (14,7х1,91х2,49 m)
Cabin / Baggage Volume	2140 / 199.9 cu. ft. (60,6 / 5,66 cu. m)
Range	6150 nm (11 390 km)
Cruise Speed	513 ktas (950 km/h)
Rate of Climb	55.83 f/s (17,01 m/s)
Certified Ceiling	51000 ft (15545 m)
Useful Load	47050 lbs (21341 kg)