Cessna Citation M2 vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation M2 is an entry-level light jet, best suited to shorter missions, with roughly 1,550 nautical miles of range and typically 4–6 passengers in a comfortable executive layout (up to about 7 with tighter seating). The Embraer Phenom 300E sits a class above as a light jet with near–super-light performance, offering about 2,010 nautical miles of range and commonly seating 6–8 passengers. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize jet, valued for a roomier cabin and stand-up-friendly cross section, with roughly 2,100 nautical miles of range and usually 7–9 passengers. The Pilatus PC-24 is a “super versatile” light jet emphasizing utility, short/rough-field capability, and a large cargo door; it typically carries 6–8 passengers, can be configured for more, and offers about 2,000 nautical miles of range. Overall, the M2 prioritizes simplicity and cost on shorter trips, the 300E maximizes speed and efficiency in the light-jet segment, the XLS+ adds cabin comfort in the midsize category, and the PC-24 trades some traditional jet refinement for unmatched operational flexibility.
| Spec | Cessna Citation M2 | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.45 | $ 5.34 | $ 3.88 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | M2 | XLS+ | Phenom 300E | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1400 | 1906 | 2,010 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.67 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3810 | 7540 | 6914 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,395 | $ 2,303 | $ 1,758 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 404 | 430 | 464 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $5,150,000 | $15,500,000 | $9,650,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 8 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.5 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 22027 | 25230 | 25560 | 23500 |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-1AP-21 | PW545C | Canada PW535E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 7 | ISA + 10 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 1965 | 4119 | 3360 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 516 | — | 757 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 492 | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 42.6 | 52.5 | 51.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.3 | 56.3 | 52.16 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 11 | 18.5 | 17.2 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14 | 17.2 | 16.75 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 3.9 | 3.6 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 8.8 | 14.3 | 14.8 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46 | 80 | 74 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 10 | 10 | 90 |