Cessna Citation Excel vs Cessna Citation XLS

The Citation Excel and the Citation XLS are the original and updated versions of Cessna's best-selling midsize jet — the 1990s Excel and the improved XLS that followed. Both share the popular 560XL airframe with a stand-up cabin and strong runway performance; the XLS adds avionics and engine improvements. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna Citation Excel
For sale now
100
Median asking
$6,497,500
Range
$1,630,750–$15,295,000
Model years available
1999–2025
Cessna Citation XLS
For sale now
29
Model years available
2004–2025

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Citation Excel Cessna Citation XLS
Cessna Citation Excel
View 39 listings →
Median $6,497,500
 Cessna Citation XLS
View 27 listings →
Median $6,495,000
Price Range $1,630,750 – $15,295,000 $2,276,000 – $13,736,000
Category Midsize Jet Midsize Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 9 9
Cruise Speed 410 kts (759 km/h) 433 kts (802 km/h)
Range 1,858 nm (3,441 km) 1,796 nm (3,326 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) 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
Fuel Capacity 580.0 gal (2195 L) 950.0 gal (3596 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 $400,000
Annual Fixed $320,000 $350,000
Hourly Variable $2,200 $2,400
Engines 2 x Turbofan 2 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 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$2,400/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $830,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation Excel or Cessna Citation XLS?

Bottom line: Choose the Excel for the most affordable way into the 560XL midsize — a proven, roomy stand-up cabin with great runway performance at a lower price. Choose the XLS for the improved version — updated avionics, more power and refinements on the same well-liked airframe. On safety both are twin-engine midsize Citations with engine-out redundancy and strong records; the difference is avionics and age, not safety. Value 560XL, or the updated XLS.

Pick the Citation Excel if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,630,750 vs $2,276,000, you save ~$645,250.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$2200/hr vs $2400/hr.
  • Longer range — 1858 nm vs 1796 nm.
  • More inventory — 39 listings vs 27.

Pick the Citation XLS if…

  • Faster cruise — 433 kts vs 410 kts.
  • Newer design — production from 2003 vs 1998.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Citation Excel and XLS?
The XLS is the updated Excel — improved avionics and more engine power on the same 560XL airframe and stand-up cabin. The Excel is the original, lower-cost version.
Do they share the same airframe?
Yes — both are 560XL Citations with the same cabin and runway performance; the XLS refreshed avionics and engines.
Which is the better value?
The Excel — as the earlier model it carries a lower price for the same proven cabin. The XLS commands more for its updates.
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 433 kts with 1,796 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna Citation Excel: from $3,850,000. 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?
Citation Excel engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW545A. Citation XLS engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW545B. Cruise: 410 vs 433 kts. Range: 1858 vs 1796 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation Excel: about $2200/hr variable cost. Citation XLS: about $2400/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 / 6,000 lb useful load. 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 ~$400,000. 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