Citation XLS Gen2 vs Phenom 300E
Citation XLS Gen2 and Phenom 300E are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation Citation XLS Gen2 (introduced 2022) and the Embraer Executive Jets Phenom 300E (introduced 2018) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Citation XLS Gen2 carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Citation XLS Gen2 vs Phenom 300E: the key differences
- The Citation XLS Gen2 delivers 4% more range (Citation XLS Gen2: 2,100 nm; Phenom 300E: 2,010 nm).
- The Phenom 300E delivers 5% more cruise speed (Citation XLS Gen2: 430 kt; Phenom 300E: 453 kt).
- The Citation XLS Gen2 delivers 20% more passenger capacity (Citation XLS Gen2: 12 seats; Phenom 300E: 10 seats).
- The Citation XLS Gen2 is the newer design (introduced 2022 versus 2018 for the Phenom 300E), a gap of 4 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Citation XLS Gen2 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (20,600 lbs versus 17,968 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for transcontinental missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Citation XLS Gen2 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Citation XLS Gen2 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Phenom 300E can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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Citation XLS Gen2 vs Phenom 300E: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Phenom 300E?
The Citation XLS Gen2 has the longer published range — 2,100 nm versus 2,010 nm for the Phenom 300E.
Does the Citation XLS Gen2 or Phenom 300E seat more passengers?
The Citation XLS Gen2 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 10 on the Phenom 300E.
Which is faster, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Phenom 300E?
The Phenom 300E cruises faster, at 453 kt versus 430 kt for the Citation XLS Gen2.
Which is newer, the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Phenom 300E?
The Citation XLS Gen2 is the newer design, introduced in 2022 versus 2018 for the Phenom 300E.
Is the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Phenom 300E the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Citation XLS Gen2 is the larger aircraft — 20,600 lbs versus 17,968 lbs for the Phenom 300E.
Should I buy the Citation XLS Gen2 or the Phenom 300E?
On published specifications the Citation XLS Gen2 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Phenom 300E can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the Citation XLS Gen2 vs Phenom 300E?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.