Cessna Citation Xls vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Citation XLS+ and Pilatus PC-24 are typically grouped in the “super midsize/light” and “light jet with rugged-field capability” space, respectively, while the Embraer Legacy 650E is a large-cabin long-range business jet. In category terms, the XLS+ emphasizes efficient short-to-mid-range business travel with a comfortable midsize cabin, the PC-24 prioritizes versatility—including operation from shorter and in some cases unimproved runways—while still delivering true jet performance, and the Legacy 650E focuses on maximum cabin volume and long-haul comfort. For range, the Legacy 650E leads by a wide margin, suited to longer intercity or some intercontinental missions. The XLS+ and PC-24 are closer, both aimed at regional and transcontinental-style legs depending on conditions, with the PC-24 generally offering slightly more range than the XLS+ in typical published figures. Passenger capacity follows the same pattern: the Legacy 650E carries the most, commonly configured for roughly a dozen-plus passengers, whereas the XLS+ and PC-24 are usually set up for around 8 to 10 passengers, with the PC-24’s flexible cabin sometimes enabling higher-density seating when desired.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Embraer Legacy 650E | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 8.41 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | Legacy 650E | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 3980 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 22510 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 3,860 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus Elite | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 458 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $26,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 8.4 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 21650 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | AE3007A2 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | 9020 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1901 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 86.5 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 69.5 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 6 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 42.4 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 22.2 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | 5.2 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | 30.3 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | 286 | 90 |