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Checkout Gulfstream's next generation $45 million G500 private jet

The Gulfstream G500 will enter service with Qatar Airways and Flexjet later this year with a price tag of $44.5 million.

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Over the years, Gulfstream's line of long-range private jets have become synonymous with the pinnacle of luxury air travel. Last year, Business Insider had the opportunity to experience Gulfstream's former flagship, the $61.5 million G550, and it was simply incredible. At the top of the company's lineup is the $66.5 million G650ER ultra-long range executive that's capable of making the trip non-stop from Hong Kong to New York.

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And it isn't even the hottest new thing to emerge from the folks down in Savannah. That's because the future of Gulfstream lies with a pair of next generation jets called the G500 and the G600.

The G500, the first of the two to arrive on the scene, is expected to enter service with launch customers Qatar Airways and Flexjet later in 2017 — one year ahead of the original planned date of 2018.

Even though the large executive jet market has been soft this year, Gulfstream is defying the odds. As part of General Dynamics Aerospace Group, the company currently enjoys an $11.5 billion backlog of orders.

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Here's a closer look at the upcoming Gulfstream G500.

When it arrives in 2017, Gulfstream G500 slot in below the...

... the G550 in Gulfstream's lineup.

According to Gulfstream, the 91 foot-long G500 has a top speed of 0.925 Mach or the speed of sound.

The G500 is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA engines each producing 15,144 lbs. of thrust.

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The new jet can reach a maximum altitude 51,000 feet.

With 8 passengers on board, the G500 can travel up 5754 miles at 0.85 the speed of sound.

However, the 41 ft.-long cabin can hold up 19 passengers when configured in a high capacity layout.

And what an cabin it is! In an interview with Business Insider, Gulfstream's director of interior design said that the jet's interior was designed with input from the company's clients.

This includes all-new custom seating designed with upholstery and padding tailored to the needs and tastes of individual customers.

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According to Crow, the plane's galley was designed with flexibility in mind. For instance, built-in coffee makers can be swapped out for espresso machines in less than 30 minutes.

Gulfstream didn't hold back with respect to in-cabin tech either. The G500's high-speed internet system is 34 times faster than current competitors, Crow told Business Insider — allowing live streaming TV and video.

The G500's ventilation system can replace the air in the cabin with fresh air in just 2 minutes.

There are also digital controls at each seat.

Speaking of seats, while they can be used for meetings during the day,...

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... They can be converted into beds to help passengers get a good night's sleep.

Even the bathroom is beautiful!

Up front, Gulfstream's next generation cockpit is state-of-the-art with the latest communications and control systems.

In total, there's a suite of 10 integrated touchscreen panels.

The G500 will also be the first non-military aircraft to be equipped with active side-stick control technology.

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So... if you ever find yourself on board Gulfstream's next generation G500, enjoy!

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