Diamond DA62
With its certification last year, the Diamond DA62 turbodiesel twin established a new bar for piston-twin performance. The high-end DA62 is as fast as the DA42 on slightly more power, and it has a similar range, around 950 nm at high cruise. But its greater seating capacity, huge useful load and full fuel payload, and outstanding technological features set it apart. The DA62 can take off with full fuel and 6 adults and fly around 900 nm with reserves. We know of no other production piston plane that can do that. The seating is in three rows, the entry to the rear seating area is via a full-sized gull-wing door, and the headroom is impressive. The DA62 features full flight into known icing capability, a full slate of safety features via the G1000, including synthetic vision and envelope protection. The flying manners of the DA62 are outstanding, even on one engine, and single-engine control is as easy as it gets.
Niche: Transportation
Base Price: $1.08 million
Competitors: Beechcraft G58 Baron, Vulcanair Vr, Piper Seneca V
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