Super Midsize Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation X+: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna / Textron Aviation
Cessna Citation X+: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation X+ (Model 750 updated variant), produced from 2012 to 2018, is the modernized successor to the original Citation X and holds the historical distinction of being the FASTEST production civilian aircraft ever built with a maximum operating Mach number of 0.935 (about 528 knots, 606 mph). The X+ was officially offered from 2012, introducing substantial improvements over the original Citation X: more powerful Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 engines, a 14-inch cabin stretch (Cessna's largest cabin gain on any model), elliptical winglets, Garmin G5000 avionics suite (replacing the Citation X's older Honeywell Primus 2000), updated mood-lit cabin, improved brakes, and slightly more speed and range. The aircraft retains the Citation X's distinctive 37° wing sweep (highest in business aviation), supercritical airfoil, and Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engine family (first Cessna to use Rolls-Royce). Powered by the AE 3007C2 engines producing 7,034 lbf each (up from 6,764 lbf on AE 3007C2 in original X), the Citation X+ delivers 3,242 nautical miles of range (MTOW, full fuel, optimal climb/descent, Mach 0.82 cruise, FL450), Mach 0.935 maximum cruise, and FL510 (51,000 ft) service ceiling. The aircraft is operated by two pilots with cabin seating for up to 12 passengers. Pre-owned market today: $9.99 to $10.49 million for 2014-2015 models per Guardian Jet pricing.
For operators wanting the historically fastest production civilian business jet ever built with modern Garmin G5000 avionics and an updated cabin, the Citation X+ represents the apex of high-speed business aviation engineering.
Citation X+ Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Super Midsize Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2018 |
| Designation | Cessna Citation X+ (Model 750 updated) |
| Manufacturer | Cessna (later Textron Aviation) |
| Announcement | 2012 (delivered from 2014) |
| Production Years | 2014 to 2018 |
| Total Deliveries (X+X+) | 338 (combined original X and X+) |
| Original Variant | Citation X (1996-2018) |
| Historic Distinction | FASTEST production civilian aircraft ever |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 12 |
| Engines | 2× Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 7,034 lbf (up from 6,764 lbf on original X) |
| Engine TBO | 4,000 hours |
| Hourly Engine Reserve (per Guardian Jet) | $290/engine |
| APU | Honeywell GTCP36-150[CX] |
| Max Range | 3,242 nm (MTOW, Full Fuel, Optimal Climb/Descent, Mach 0.82 Cruise, FL450) |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.935 (≈528 ktas, 606 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.82 |
| Service Ceiling | FL510 (51,000 ft) |
| MMO | 0.935 |
| Wing Sweep | 37° at quarter chord (highest in business aviation) |
| Wing Modification | Elliptical winglets (new vs Citation X) |
| MTOW | 36,600 lb (vs 36,000 lb on X) |
| Cabin Length | 25 ft 2 in (with 14-inch stretch) |
| Cabin Width | 5 ft 6 in (66 in - Citation III cross-section retained) |
| Cabin Height | 5 ft 8 in (68 in) |
| Cabin Zones | 2 (forward + aft) |
| Cabin Stretch vs Original X | +14 inches (largest cabin gain on any Cessna model) |
| Galley Stretch | +2 inches |
| Lavatory Stretch | +2 inches |
| Total Baggage Volume | 104 cu ft |
| Avionics | Garmin G5000 (replacing Honeywell Primus 2000) |
| Fuel Capacity | More than original X |
| Original New Price | $23,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned (2014-2015) per Guardian Jet | $9,995,000 to $10,495,000 |
| Charter Rate | $4,500 to $6,500/hr |
History as the Fastest Production Civilian Aircraft
The Citation X+ continued the legacy of the original Citation X (1996), which itself was already the fastest production civilian aircraft since Concorde retirement in 2003. The X+ pushed the speed envelope even further with Mach 0.935 capability.
Platform timeline:
- October 1990 NBAA: Citation X announced (Model 750)
- December 21, 1993: Citation X first flight
- June 3, 1996: Citation X type certification
- July 1996: First X delivery to Arnold Palmer
- 2012: Citation X+ announced
- 2014: First X+ deliveries
- 2014-2018: X+ production (4 years)
- 2018: Citation X+ production ends
- 2019: Both X and X+ fleet established (338 total deliveries combined)
The X+'s Mach 0.935 capability remains unmatched in business aviation today, with current super-midsize and large-cabin jets topping out at Mach 0.83-0.90.
Key Improvements Over Citation X
The Citation X+ introduced substantial improvements over the original Citation X:
1. More Powerful Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 Engines
- 7,034 lbf per engine: Up from 6,764 lbf on AE 3007C2 X (modest increase)
- Newer engine variant: Refined Rolls-Royce AE 3007 family
- Same engine family as Embraer ERJ: Continued validation
- Lower SFC than predecessor: Operating economics improvement
2. Higher Mach Number (0.935 vs 0.92)
- +0.015 Mach number: From 0.92 to 0.935
- Industry first: Highest production civilian Mach number ever
- Faster trips: 1+ hour savings on long missions
- Maintained as fastest production civilian: Even in 2026
3. 14-Inch Cabin Stretch (Largest Cabin Gain on Any Cessna)
- +14 inches cabin length: Substantial improvement
- +2 inches galley: Refinement
- +2 inches lavatory: Refinement
- Largest cabin growth on any Cessna model: Per Cessna
- Still retains 5'6" cabin width: Narrow cross-section
4. Elliptical Winglets
- New design vs original X: Modern aerodynamics
- Drag reduction: Better cruise efficiency
- Distinctive visual feature: Identifies X+ vs X
- Range improvement: ~131 nm extension to 3,242 nm
5. Garmin G5000 Avionics (Replacing Honeywell Primus 2000)
- Modern integrated glass cockpit: State-of-the-art for 2014 era
- Synthetic vision: Standard
- Modern flight management: Standard
- First Garmin G5000 in Citation X line: Major upgrade
6. Higher MTOW
- 36,600 lb vs 36,000 lb on X: +600 lb increase
- Better payload capability: Operational utility
7. Improved Cabin Features
- Mood-lit cabin: Modern ambient lighting
- Better brakes: Improved control
- Uber-connected cabin: Modern entertainment
- Updated styling: Refined aesthetic
Cabin Interior
The Citation X+ retains the Citation III cross-section but with substantial length improvement:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 25 ft 2 in (+14 in vs original X) |
| Cabin Width | 5 ft 6 in (66 in - retained) |
| Cabin Height | 5 ft 8 in (68 in) |
| Cabin Zones | 2 |
| Total Baggage | 104 cu ft |
Standard 8-Passenger Configuration
- Two-Zone Cabin: Forward + aft (retained from X)
- Forward Galley: Stretched by 2 inches
- Two Club Seats Forward: Standard
- Three-Place Divan + Single Seat Aft: Standard
- Lavatory Aft (Stretched by 2"): Standard
- Up to 12 Passengers: High-density alternatives
Cabin Features (X+ Improvements)
- Mood-lit cabin: Modern ambient
- 14-inch cabin stretch: Largest Cessna gain
- Updated entertainment: Modern technology
- Higher Connectivity: Modern standards
- Same narrow stoop-over critique applies: Per BJT analysis
Important Limitation (Per BJT)
Per Business Jet Traveler critique, the X+ still had:
- Narrow cabin (5'6" wide)
- 1960s-style trenched center aisle (retained)
- Direct operating costs 25-33% higher than super-mid competitors
- Less plush than competitors
- Smaller baggage (104 cu ft vs 131-155 on competitors)
These were inherited from the original Citation X and not fully resolved in the X+.
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.935 (≈528 ktas, 606 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.82 |
| Max Range | 3,242 nm |
| Service Ceiling | FL510 (51,000 ft) |
| MMO | 0.935 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed Increase | +12% climb time savings (5% vs X) |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm) - significantly faster than competitors
- New York to London (3,000 nm) - achievable
- Coast-to-coast U.S.: Workhorse with speed advantage
- Transcontinental U.S.: Standard operation
Engines
Two Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 turbofan engines, each producing 7,034 lbf of thrust (14,068 lbf total).
Key features:
- Latest AE 3007 variant: Most refined version
- Same family as Embraer ERJ: Established validation
- 4,000-hour TBO: Industry standard for class
- Higher thrust than original X engines: Performance improvement
Avionics: Garmin G5000
The Citation X+ was the first Citation X family aircraft with Garmin G5000:
- Modern integrated glass cockpit: Major upgrade over Primus 2000
- Synthetic vision: Standard
- Modern flight management: Integrated
- Touch-screen displays: Modern interface
- Optional HUD with EVS: Heads-up capability
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV, advanced GPS
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (336 gph) | $2,350 to $2,690 |
| Engine Reserve | $700 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $700 |
| Misc Variable | $400 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$4,150 to $4,490/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $3.4 million all-in.
Annual fixed costs (Guardian Jet 300-hr basis): $805,168.
Charter rates: $4,500 to $6,500 per hour.
Note: Per BJT, DOC remained "increasingly hard to defend" with rates 25-33% higher than super-mid competitors offering wider, taller cabins.
Pricing
| Year Range | Pre-Owned Price |
|---|---|
| 2014 to 2015 Citation X+ (per Guardian Jet) | $9,995,000 to $10,495,000 |
| 2016 to 2018 Citation X+ | Variable based on condition |
Original new price: ~$23 million.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Time-Sensitive Operators: Mach 0.935 saves significant time
- High-Altitude Operators: FL510 service ceiling
- Garmin G5000 Operators: Modern avionics platform
- Speed-First Charter Operators: Competitive differentiation
- Step-Up From Citation X: Modernized cabin and avionics
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You require wide flat-floor cabin (consider Praetor 600, Challenger 350, Falcon 2000LXS)
- You want lowest operating costs (25-33% higher than competitors)
- You need 4,000+ nm range (consider Praetor 600)
- You require widest super-mid baggage (104 cu ft less than competitors)
Pros and Cons
What the Citation X+ Does Well
- Mach 0.935 max cruise (FASTEST production civilian aircraft EVER)
- FL510 service ceiling (51,000 ft)
- 3,242 nm range (improved from 3,111 nm on X)
- Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 engines (latest variant)
- 37° wing sweep (highest in business aviation)
- Supercritical airfoil
- 14-inch cabin stretch (largest Cessna cabin growth)
- Elliptical winglets (modern aerodynamics)
- Garmin G5000 avionics (modern)
- Higher MTOW (36,600 lb)
- 5% climb time savings vs original X
- Updated mood-lit cabin
- Better brakes
- Modern entertainment
- Same Rolls-Royce reliability heritage
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Production ended 2018
- 5'6" cabin width (narrowest in super-mid)
- 5'8" stoop-over cabin per BJT critique
- 1960s-style trenched center aisle (retained)
- DOC 25-33% higher than super-mid competitors
- 104 cu ft baggage (less than 131-155 on competitors)
- 4,000-hour engine TBO (shorter than HTF7000 family's 5,000-7,000)
- Two-pilot operation required
- Aviation Week notes Mach 0.935 commercial niche limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Citation X+ the fastest production civilian aircraft ever?
Yes. The Citation X+ holds the historical record as the fastest production civilian aircraft ever built with a maximum operating Mach number of 0.935 (about 528 knots, 606 mph). The original Citation X (Mach 0.92) was the fastest civilian aircraft since Concorde retirement in 2003, and the X+ pushed the envelope to Mach 0.935 starting in 2012. This record remains unmatched in business aviation as of 2026.
How is the Citation X+ different from the Citation X?
The Citation X+ (2012-2018) is the modernized successor to the original Citation X (1996-2014). Key improvements: more powerful Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 engines (7,034 lbf vs X's 6,764 lbf), Mach 0.935 max (vs X's 0.92), 14-inch cabin stretch (with 2" galley and 2" lavatory gains), elliptical winglets, Garmin G5000 avionics (replacing Honeywell Primus 2000), updated mood-lit cabin, improved brakes, higher MTOW (36,600 vs 36,000 lb), and extended range (3,242 vs 3,111 nm).
How is the Citation X+ different from the Citation Longitude?
The Citation Longitude (2019-Present) is Textron's current super-midsize flagship, designed to address criticisms of the X/X+ platform. Key differences: wider cabin (7'11" vs X+'s 5'6"), 6'4" stand-up flat floor (vs X+'s 5'8" stoop-over), 3,500 nm range (vs X+'s 3,242 nm), Honeywell HTF7700L engines (vs Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2), 25.2 ft cabin length (vs X+'s 25'2"), and modern industry-standard cabin features. The Longitude is slower (Mach 0.86 vs X+'s 0.935) but offers substantially more cabin space.
How many Citation X and X+ aircraft were built?
A total of 338 Citation X and X+ aircraft were built during the combined 1996 to 2018 production run.
How far can a Citation X+ fly?
The Citation X+ has a maximum range of 3,242 nautical miles (MTOW, full fuel, optimal climb and descent, Mach 0.82 cruise at FL450).
Is the Citation X+ single-pilot certified?
No. The Citation X+ requires two pilots.
What engines power the Citation X+?
Two Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 turbofan engines, each producing 7,034 lbf of thrust. This is an upgraded variant of the AE 3007 engine family used on the original Citation X.
What is the Citation X+'s biggest advantage?
The Citation X+'s biggest advantage is undisputed: it remains the fastest production civilian aircraft ever built (Mach 0.935 max), saving substantial time on long missions. New York to Los Angeles is nearly an hour faster than super-midsize competitors. For time-sensitive operators where speed has direct economic value, no other production business jet matches the X+.
What is the Citation X+'s biggest disadvantage?
The Citation X+'s biggest disadvantage is cabin geometry: 5'6" cabin width (narrowest in super-midsize class), 5'8" stoop-over height (vs flat-floor 6'+ stand-up competitors), and 1960s-style trenched center aisle. Combined with 25-33% higher direct operating costs than competitors, the X+ sacrifices passenger comfort and economics for speed. Per BJT analysis, customers were ultimately "unwilling to trade ultimate speed for discomfort."
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation X+ is the fastest production civilian aircraft ever built (Mach 0.935 max cruise), representing the pinnacle of high-speed business aviation engineering. Built on the proven Citation X platform with substantial modernization (Garmin G5000 avionics, 14-inch cabin stretch, elliptical winglets, more powerful Rolls-Royce AE 3007C2 engines), the X+ delivered everything the original Citation X promised plus modern systems. With 37° wing sweep (highest in business aviation), FL510 service ceiling, 3,242 nm range, and historically unmatched speed capability, the X+ remains a unique platform. However, the inherited narrow cabin geometry (5'6" wide, 5'8" stoop-over) and 25-33% higher direct operating costs than super-mid competitors ultimately limited market acceptance, with production ending in 2018. At current pre-owned pricing of $9.99M to $10.49M for 2014-2015 models per Guardian Jet, the X+ offers extraordinary speed value for operators willing to accept the cabin and economics tradeoffs.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Citation X+ market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs and total ownership economics.
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Cessna Citation X+ Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Cessna Citation X+ operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Cessna Citation X+ for the mission.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Cessna Citation X: Direct Predecessor (Honeywell Primus 2000, Mach 0.92)
- Cessna Citation Longitude: Modern Citation Successor (Wider Cabin, Mach 0.86)
- Bombardier Challenger 350: Direct Modern Competitor (Wider Cabin, Slower)
- Embraer Praetor 600: Direct Modern Competitor (4,018 nm Range)
- Gulfstream G280: Direct Modern Competitor (Wider Cabin)
Production of the Cessna Citation X+ ended in 2018. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Textron Aviation provides worldwide parts/support. The Citation X+ remains the fastest production civilian aircraft ever built. Specifications accurate as of 2026.