Cessna Citation XLS+ vs Embraer Phenom 300
The Cessna Citation XLS (mid-size, ~441 kt, stand-up cabin) and Phenom 300 (light, ~453 kt) are different-class jets — the XLS has the larger mid-size cabin; the Phenom 300 has higher cruise, longer range and light-jet economics.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Phenom 300 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $6,500,000 – $15,295,000 | $7,495,000 – $14,750,000 |
| Category | Midsize Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 441 kts (817 km/h) | 430 kts (796 km/h) |
| Range | 2,100 nm (3,889 km) | 2,010 nm (3,723 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 20,200 lbs (9,163 kg) | 18,387 lbs (8,340 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 4,800 lbs (2,177 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 527.0 gal (1995 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 185.0 GPH (700 L/h) | 155.0 GPH (587 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $420,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $380,000 | $350,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $2,500 | $2,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation XLS+
Fuel$1,018/hr
Variable$2,500/hr
Annual Fixed$380,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$880,000/yr
Embraer Phenom 300
Fuel$852/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$350,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$790,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation XLS+ or Embraer Phenom 300?
Bottom line: Choose the XLS for true mid-size cabin and the segment-defining mid-size jet (best- seller for two decades). Choose the Phenom 300 for class-leading light-jet performance and longer range — when the smaller cabin works for your mission.
Pick the Citation XLS+ if…
- Budget matters — from $6,500,000 vs $7,495,000, you save ~$995,000.
- Faster cruise — 441 kts vs 430 kts.
- Longer range — 2100 nm vs 2010 nm.
Pick the Phenom 300 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$2200/hr vs $2500/hr.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- Newer design — production from 2009 vs 2008.
- More inventory — 82 listings vs 33.
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 XLS+ or Embraer Phenom 300?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation XLS+ cruises at 441 kts with 2,100 nm range.
The Phenom 300 cruises at 430 kts with 2,010 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation XLS+ and Embraer Phenom 300?
Seats: 9 vs 10.
Cruise: 441 vs 430 kts.
Range: 2100 vs 2010 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation XLS+: about $2500/hr variable cost.
Phenom 300: about $2200/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 XLS+: 9 seats.
Phenom 300: 10 seats / 4,800 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 XLS+: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$420,000.
Phenom 300: 5,000-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