Cessna Citation Excel vs Cessna Citation XLS+
The Citation Excel (1998-2004) and Citation XLS (2004-2008) / XLS+ (2008-onwards) are predecessor and successor mid-size Citations — same fuselage, but the XLS adds Pro Line 21 avionics and the XLS+ further refines systems and adds FADEC.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation Excel | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $700,000 – $15,295,000 | $6,500,000 – $15,295,000 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Midsize Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 410 kts (759 km/h) | 441 kts (817 km/h) |
| Range | 1,858 nm (3,441 km) | 2,100 nm (3,889 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) |
| Useful Load | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 580.0 gal (2195 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 170.0 GPH (643 L/h) | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,000 hrs | 4,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $420,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $320,000 | $380,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,200 | $2,500 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation Excel
Fuel$935/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$320,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$760,000/yr
Cessna Citation XLS+
Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,500/hr
Annual Fixed$380,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$880,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation Excel or Cessna Citation XLS+?
Bottom line: Choose the XLS/XLS+ for the modern Pro Line 21 cockpit, refined systems and the youngest mid-size Citation. Choose the Excel only for materially lower acquisition cost — same fundamental airframe and cabin.
Pick the Citation Excel if…
- Budget matters — from $700,000 vs $6,500,000, you save ~$5,800,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$2200/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More inventory — 105 listings vs 32.
Pick the Citation XLS+ if…
- Faster cruise — 441 kts vs 410 kts.
- Longer range — 2100 nm vs 1858 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2008 vs 1998.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Citation Excel or Cessna Citation XLS+?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation Excel cruises at 410 kts with 1,858 nm range.
The Citation XLS+ cruises at 441 kts with 2,100 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation XLS+: from $7,500,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation Excel and Cessna Citation XLS+?
Cruise: 410 vs 441 kts.
Range: 1858 vs 2100 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation Excel: about $2200/hr variable cost.
Citation XLS+: about $2500/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation Excel: 9 seats / 5,100 lb useful load.
Citation XLS+: 9 seats.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation Excel: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
Citation XLS+: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$420,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data