Cessna Citation Cj4 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Phenom 100ev vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Embraer Praetor 500
The Cessna Citation M2 and Embraer Phenom 100EV sit in the light-jet/entry-level category, typically aimed at short regional missions. In that class they generally carry about 4–6 passengers, with range roughly in the 1,100–1,300 nautical mile band, with the Phenom 100EV often viewed as the roomier, slightly more capable peer. Stepping up, the Cessna Citation CJ4 and Embraer Phenom 300E are light jets with “super-light” capability. They commonly seat about 6–9 passengers, and their range typically falls around 1,900–2,100 nautical miles, making them better suited to longer nonstop city pairs while still operating efficiently from smaller airports. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is usually categorized as a midsize jet, offering a wider cabin than the CJ4/300E class and typically accommodating about 7–9 passengers, with range commonly around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles depending on load and conditions. The Embraer Praetor 500 is a super-midsize jet, generally carrying about 8–10 passengers with a notably longer range around 3,300 nautical miles, positioning it for more transcontinental missions.
| Spec | Cessna Citation CJ4 | Cessna Citation M2 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Phenom 100EV | Embraer Phenom 300E | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.37 | $ 3.45 | $ 5.34 | $ 2.84 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Embraer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | CJ4 | M2 | XLS+ | Phenom 100EV | Phenom 300E | Praetor 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2170 | 1400 | 1906 | 1,178 | 2,010 | 3340 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.71 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6914 | 3810 | 7540 | 3451 | 6914 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,970 | $ 1,395 | $ 2,303 | $ 1,152 | $ 1,758 | $ 2,779 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 404 | 430 | 406 | 464 | 466 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,290,000 | $5,150,000 | $15,500,000 | $4,250,000 | $9,650,000 | $16,995,000 |
| Cabin | ||||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 9 | 8 | 10 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD | — | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 8.5 | 9.3 | 8.3 | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | No | Galley | No | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24005 | 22027 | 25230 | 21280 | 25560 | 27110 |
| Connectivity | — | — | — | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | ||||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-4A | FJ44-1AP-21 | PW545C | PW617F1-E | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | 3500 | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 11 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 8 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3621 | 1965 | 4119 | 1730 | 3360 | 6540 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 757 | 516 | — | 543 | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 870 | 492 | — | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Length (ft) | 53.4 | 42.6 | 52.5 | 42.1 | 51.2 | 64.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 50 | 47.3 | 56.3 | 40.4 | 52.16 | 70.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 17.2 | 11 | 18.5 | 11 | 17.2 | 20.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.5 | 14 | 17.2 | 14.3 | 16.75 | 21.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.8 | 8.8 | 14.3 | 9 | 14.8 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 70 | 46 | 80 | 60 | 74 | 110 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 7 | — | 10 | 10 | 10 | 40 |