Bombardier designed the original Challenger 601 with the primary goal of passenger comfort. It is unusually wide-bodied and can carry up to nineteen passengers in its wide cabin, yet it has transcontinental range, and is able to complete nonstop flights between almost any two cities in the United States. The 601 series has improved immensely over the 600, with a more reliable flight system and increased maintainability.

As previously mentioned, the cabin of this private jet is uncharacteristically large: its width is 8.2 feet, and its height is 6.1 feet. Cabin length is 28.3 feet. Passengers enjoy a quiet interior and well-lit cabin. It usually has a seating configuration that comfortably holds between eight and twelve people, but can be configured to carry as many as nineteen.

Two General Electric engines power the Challenger 601 and can take five passengers up to 3,500 nautical miles nonstop. The Challenger 601 can hit a top cruise speed of 459 knots; however, it is more often used for long-range trips, where it cruises at 424 knots. The aircraft cruises (long-range) at Mach .74 a surprisingly good performance is surprisingly high considering that the cabin is larger than most other jets.