Archived 27 May 2026
Archived side-by-side comparison from the Freestream library
The Embraer Phenom 300E and the Cessna Citation XLS+ occupy different ends of the light-to-midsize transition. The Phenom 300E is certificated under FAR 23 as a light jet and seats up to eight passengers; the Citation XLS+ holds a FAR 25 transport-category certificate and is formally classified as a midsize jet, with a wider and taller cabin and an integral APU. The comparison uses Conklin & de Decker data pulled 27 May 2026 under consistent assumptions.
Both aircraft were in production through the 2010s and remain active on the pre-owned market. The Citation XLS+ production run closed in 2022; the Phenom 300E remains in current production. This archived comparison addresses performance, cabin geometry, and operating economics on a like-for-like basis.
The Phenom 300E is the enhanced variant of the Phenom 300, certified in 2009 and updated to the E configuration in 2018. It is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines, equipped with the Garmin G3000 Prodigy Touch flight deck, and delivers 1,811 nautical miles seats-full at a maximum cruise speed of 464 knots. The single-zone cabin measures 17.17 ft in length, 5.08 ft wide, and 4.92 ft tall.
Phenom 300 shown; the E is the current production variant.
| Production | 2018 – Present |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 383 kts |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 464 kts |
| Range, Seats-Full | 1,811 nm |
| Ferry Range | 2,077 nm |
| Rate of Climb | 3,851 ft/min |
| Engine-Out Ceiling | 29,146 ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,643 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions (L × W × H) | 17.17 × 5.08 × 4.92 ft |
| Baggage Volume (Total) | 85 cu ft (19 internal, 66 external) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 18,387 lb |
| Basic Operating Weight | 11,783 lb |
| Usable Fuel | 5,353 lb |
| Variable Cost Per Hour | $2,576 |
| Annual Fixed Cost | $565,761 |
The Citation XLS+ is the refined successor to the Citation Excel, certificated under FAR 25 and produced from 2008 to 2022. It is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C engines and equipped with the Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics suite. Range is 1,528 nautical miles seats-full, with a maximum cruise speed of 440 knots. The cabin measures 18.5 ft in length, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.7 ft tall, with a standard APU.
| Production | 2008 – 2022 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 373 kts |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 440 kts |
| Range, Seats-Full | 1,528 nm |
| Ferry Range | 1,976 nm |
| Rate of Climb | 3,500 ft/min |
| Engine-Out Ceiling | 28,600 ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,910 ft |
| Cabin Dimensions (L × W × H) | 18.5 × 5.5 × 5.7 ft |
| Baggage Volume (Total) | 90 cu ft (10 internal, 80 external) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 20,200 lb |
| Basic Operating Weight | 12,800 lb |
| Usable Fuel | 6,740 lb |
| Variable Cost Per Hour | $3,135 |
| Annual Fixed Cost | $733,178 |
Key metrics across both platforms. Hover a column to highlight; best values in each row are accented. Acquisition cost excluded by design.
| Phenom 300E | Citation XLS+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Range, Seats-Full | 1,811 nm | 1,528 nm |
| Ferry Range | 2,077 nm | 1,976 nm |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 464 kts | 440 kts |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 383 kts | 373 kts |
| Maximum Altitude | 45,000 ft | 45,000 ft |
| Rate of Climb | 3,851 ft/min | 3,500 ft/min |
| Engine-Out Ceiling | 29,146 ft | 28,600 ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,643 ft | 3,910 ft |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 18,387 lb | 20,200 lb |
| Cabin | ||
| Cabin Length | 17.17 ft | 18.5 ft |
| Cabin Width | 5.08 ft | 5.5 ft |
| Cabin Height | 4.92 ft | 5.7 ft |
| Passenger Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Baggage Volume (Total) | 85 cu ft | 90 cu ft |
| Operating Economics | ||
| Variable Cost / Hour | $2,576 | $3,135 |
| Fuel / Hour | $915 | $1,195 |
| Maintenance / Hour | $739 | $784 |
| Engine Reserves / Hour | $714 | $872 |
| Annual Fixed Cost | $565,761 | $733,178 |
Assumes 250 flight hours per year, $5.00 per US gallon Jet A, $105 per hour maintenance labour, 600 nm average trip.
All performance and operating cost figures are drawn from Conklin & de Decker (JSSI) via Freestream's subscription account, pulled 27 May 2026. Figures reflect the specific variant records held by C&D at that date.
Hourly variable and annual fixed costs are modelled at 250 flight hours per year, $5.00 per US gallon Jet A, $105 per hour maintenance labour, and a 600 nm average trip. Crew, hangar, insurance, and training are included in the fixed line. Acquisition cost is excluded.
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