The Challenger 604 is powered by two turbofan General Electric CF34-3B engines mounted in aft fuselage pods, each offering 8,729 pounds of thrust at takeoff. These powerful engines allow it to reach a maximum high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 with a typical cruise speed of Mach 0.8 and a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.74. The engines are equipped with automatic power reserve and are capable of 9,220 pounds of thrust per engine with reserve initiated.

Like its predecessors in the Challenger series, the Challenger 604 has a supercritical wing design. Combined with winglets, the design dramatically reduces drag, improving fuel efficiency to an average of 289 gallons per hour (GPH). Although these design features are common in larger commercial airliners and military aircraft, using them in a business jet design was revolutionary.

Bombardier changed the undercarriage design significantly for the Challenger 604. These redesigns enable the Challenger 604 to perform smoother takeoffs and landings than the original Challenger. They also increase the fuel capacity to 19,850 lbs. As a result, the Challenger 604 can travel up to 4,027 nautical miles (7,458 km) at its long-range cruise speed, with a maximum operating altitude of 41,000 ft.

While its impressive range allows easy cross-country and transoceanic travel, its largest-in-class cabin can accommodate up to 19 passengers. The wide-body offers a spacious 1,150 cubic feet stand-up cabin with two seating sections. Interior cabin dimensions are 6.1′ height, 8.2′ width, and 24′ length.

Standard cabin configurations include four club chairs in the forward seating section and a combination of conference seating and divans in the aft section (typically outfitted to accommodate 8-10 passengers). Fully-reclining chairs and lay-flat divans allow comfortable, easy overnight flights. A passive noise insulation system minimizes ambient cabin noise. Overall, the Challenger 604 aircraft measures 20.6′ tall and 68.5′ long, with a wingspan of 64.3′ It has 115 cubic feet of baggage space (all internal) and a convenient aft lavatory.