Midsize Jet - Current Production
Cessna Citation XLS Gen2: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Textron Aviation (Cessna)
Cessna Citation XLS Gen2: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2, currently in production since 2022, is the latest evolution of Textron Aviation's world's best-selling business jet platform that began with the Citation Excel in 1998. The XLS Gen2 maintains the platform's combination of midsize cabin comfort with light jet runway performance and operating economics, while introducing a comprehensively redesigned cabin and upgraded systems. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C turbofan engines producing 4,119 lbf each, the XLS Gen2 delivers 2,100 nautical miles of maximum range, 441 ktas (Mach 0.80) maximum cruise, a 45,000 ft service ceiling, and 3,500 ft/min climb rate. The XLS Gen2 typically operates with two pilots and seats up to 12 passengers in flexible configurations. Current new price: approximately $15.3 million.
For operators wanting the proven world's best-selling business jet platform with the most-modern XLS family iteration, the Gen2 represents Textron Aviation's current midsize jet flagship.
Citation XLS Gen2 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Current Production |
| Production Status | Current (2022 to Present) |
| Production Years | 2022 to Present |
| Predecessor | Citation XLS+ (2008-2022) |
| Family Lineage | Excel (1998) → XLS (2004) → XLS+ (2008) → XLS Gen2 (2022) |
| World's Best-Selling Business Jet Platform | Yes (cumulative across family) |
| Current List Price (2026) | $15,000,000 to $15,500,000 |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 12 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,100 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,490 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 441 ktas (507 mph, Mach 0.80) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 400 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Climb Rate | 3,500 ft/min |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C |
| Thrust per Engine | 4,119 lbf (8,238 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Garmin G5000-based suite (Pro Line 21 successor) |
| Cabin Length | 18 ft 6 in |
| Cabin Width | 5.5 ft (66 in / 5'6") |
| Cabin Height | 5.67 ft (68 in / 5'8") |
| Cabin Volume | 577 cu ft (largest in midsize class) |
| Total Baggage Volume | 90 cu ft (10 internal + 80 external) |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,812 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,618 ft |
| Average Operating Cost | $4,718/hr |
History as the World's Best-Selling Business Jet Platform
The Citation XLS family traces back to the Citation Excel (1998), which combined the Citation III's fuselage with the Citation V's wing in a stand-up cabin midsize jet. The platform has accumulated extraordinary commercial success and represents the world's best-selling business jet across all variants.
Platform timeline:
- Early 1990s: Citation Excel development begins
- February 1996: Citation Excel first flight
- April 1998: FAA certification of Citation Excel
- 2003: Citation XLS introduced (upgraded Excel)
- 2008: Citation XLS+ introduced (further upgrades)
- 2022: Citation XLS Gen2 introduced (current production)
- Present: Current production with continued strong sales
The XLS family is a core of jet card and fractional fleets for Fly Alliance (using the XLS Gen2 to launch its new-make fractional program), FlyExclusive, a major fractional operator, and Wheels Up.
Key Improvements: XLS Gen2 vs XLS+
The XLS Gen2 introduced multiple refinements over the XLS+ predecessor:
1. Comprehensively Redesigned Cabin
The XLS Gen2 cabin features:
- New ergonomically designed leather seats: Customizable options
- Improved lighting: Modern LED system
- Enhanced noise reduction: Quieter cabin experience
- Refreshed galley: Increased functionality
- Additional storage space: More cabin convenience
- Larger windows: More natural light
- Premium interior materials: Modernized finishes
2. Configurable Cabin Options
- Up to 12 passenger seating: Spacious environment
- Club seating with divans: Flexible layouts
- Fully enclosed lavatory: Standard
- Multiple floor plan options: Customizable
3. Avionics Updates
The XLS Gen2 features upgraded avionics over the XLS+'s Pro Line 21 (specific generation varies by configuration), with synthetic vision, weather radar, autopilot, and modern integrated flight management.
4. Continued PW545C Engines
The proven Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C engines (4,119 lbf each) carry forward from the XLS+, providing reliability and performance continuity.
Cabin Interior
The XLS Gen2 cabin is the largest in the midsize class, with the same exterior dimensions as the XLS+ but redesigned interior:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 18 ft 6 in |
| Cabin Width | 5.5 ft (66 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 5.67 ft (68 inches - stand-up) |
| Cabin Volume | 577 cubic ft (largest in midsize class) |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 8-Passenger Double Club: Classic executive layout
- Up to 12 Passengers Maximum: With high-density seating
- Club Seating + Divans: Flexible configurations
- Fully Enclosed Lavatory: Aft cabin
- Front Refreshment Center: Standard
Cabin Features
- Ergonomic leather seats: Premium executive seating
- Improved cabin lighting: Modern LED system
- Larger windows: 11 windows in main cabin
- Foldaway tables: 2 in middle of cabin
- 90 cu ft baggage: 10 internal + 80 external (largest external in class)
- Triple-sealed entry door: Quieter cabin
- Triple-pane windows: Improved insulation
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 441 ktas (507 mph, Mach 0.80) |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 440 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 400 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, max) | 2,100 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,490 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Climb Rate | 3,500 ft/min |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 3,812 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,618 ft |
The XLS Gen2's 3,812 ft balanced field length is exceptional for the midsize class, enabling access to shorter runways that larger midsize jets cannot use.
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm) - achievable with light load
- New York to Aspen (1,629 nm) - comfortable
- Houston to Boston (1,531 nm) - comfortable
- London to Athens (1,481 nm) - comfortable
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C turbofan engines, each producing 4,119 lbf of thrust (8,238 lbf total). The PW545C is a proven engine family powering the XLS+ since 2008 and the broader Citation Sovereign family.
Avionics
The XLS Gen2 features upgraded avionics including:
- Synthetic vision: Standard
- Weather radar: Standard
- Modern integrated flight management: Standard
- Touchscreen controls: Modern interface
- Autopilot: Integrated
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~205 gph) | $1,230 to $1,640 |
| Engine Reserve | $450 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $550 |
| Misc Variable | $300 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,530 to $2,940/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.1 to $2.4 million all-in.
Average operating cost per AviaCost: $4,718/hr (450-hour basis with all costs).
Charter rates: $5,500 to $6,500 per hour.
Pricing
| Year | New Price |
|---|---|
| 2024-2026 Citation XLS Gen2 (current) | $15,000,000 to $15,500,000 |
The XLS Gen2 has commanded strong market demand, with new aircraft listing prices around $15.3M (per recent GlobalAir data, 2024 deliveries).
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Light Jet to Midsize: Stand-up cabin, longer range
- Step-Up From XLS+: Modern cabin, refined systems
- 8-9 Passenger Corporate Flight Departments: Most popular midsize cabin
- Charter and Fractional Operators: Proven workhorse platform
- Short-Field Operators: 3,812 ft balanced field length
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (consider Citation Latitude not single-pilot certified; consider CJ family)
- You require transcontinental U.S. range with seats full (consider Latitude, Praetor 500)
- You want largest midsize cabin (consider Praetor 600, Citation Longitude)
- You need short-field operations under 3,000 ft (consider light jets)
Pros and Cons
What the Citation XLS Gen2 Does Well
- World's best-selling business jet platform (cumulative across family)
- 2,100 nm range
- 441 ktas (Mach 0.80) cruise
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
- 577 cu ft cabin (largest in midsize class)
- 3,812 ft balanced field length (exceptional for class)
- 90 cu ft baggage (largest in class)
- Strong dispatch reliability
- Massive Textron Aviation service network
- Comprehensive cabin redesign vs XLS+
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Two-pilot operation required
- 441 ktas cruise modest vs newer competitors (Praetor 500 466 ktas)
- 1,490 nm seats-full range moderate
- 45,000 ft ceiling (vs 51,000 ft on Lear 75)
- $15M+ acquisition cost
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Citation XLS Gen2 different from the Citation XLS+?
The XLS Gen2 (2022) introduced a comprehensively redesigned cabin with ergonomic leather seats, improved lighting, enhanced noise reduction, refreshed galley, larger windows, and modern cabin technology. The basic airframe, PW545C engines, and core performance specifications carry forward from the XLS+.
What is the cabin volume of the Citation XLS Gen2?
The XLS Gen2 cabin volume is 577 cubic feet, the largest in the midsize jet class. This is the same dimension as the XLS+ predecessor with comprehensive interior redesign.
How far can a Citation XLS Gen2 fly?
The Citation XLS Gen2 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 2,100 nautical miles, with seats-full range of approximately 1,490 nm.
Is the Citation XLS Gen2 single-pilot certified?
No. The XLS Gen2 requires two pilots.
What engines power the Citation XLS Gen2?
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545C turbofan engines, each producing 4,119 lbf of thrust. These are the same engines as the XLS+ predecessor.
How many passengers does the Citation XLS Gen2 carry?
The XLS Gen2 typically seats 8 passengers in a double-club configuration, with maximum capacity of 12 passengers in high-density layouts.
How is the Citation XLS family related to other Citation models?
The XLS family began with the Citation Excel (1998), which combined the Citation III fuselage with the Citation V wing. The XLS Gen2 is the current production variant of this proven platform, sharing cabin dimensions with the Excel, XLS, and XLS+ but with comprehensive modernization.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 represents the current production iteration of the world's best-selling business jet platform, delivering proven midsize jet capability with the largest cabin in class, exceptional 3,812 ft balanced field length, and comprehensive cabin modernization over the XLS+ predecessor. At $15M+ new pricing, the XLS Gen2 commands a premium for current production, but the platform's reliability, support infrastructure, and operational versatility justify the investment for operators wanting Textron Aviation's flagship midsize jet.
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 XLS Gen2 market intelligence, pricing analysis, and pre-purchase consultation.
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Book a Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 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 XLS Gen2 for the mission.
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Fractional jet programs are available for Cessna Citation XLS Gen2-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation XLS+: Predecessor Variant (2008-2022)
- Citation Excel: Original Platform (1998-2004)
- Citation Latitude: Larger Sibling Platform
- Praetor 500: Direct Competitor
The Citation XLS Gen2 entered production in 2022 and remains in current production. Specifications accurate as of 2026.