The steering wheel from the real M4 GT3, right at your facility

What sets this steering wheel apart is that it isn’t inspired by a GT3 race car—it’s exactly the same as the one installed on the 2022 BMW M4 GT3. Fanatec has developed a one-of-a-kind component that’s used in both real racing and simulation. Once clipped onto our base via the FIA-approved QR2 Pro, you’re literally holding a race-ready steering wheel—and you can feel it from the very first laps.

A carbon fiber shell that doesn't budge

The rim is made of multi-layer forged carbon (eight plies), and the result is undeniable: no play, no flex, anywhere. You tighten it, pull on the shift paddles, take on speed bumps—nothing moves. With a diameter of 308 mm and a weight of approximately 1,700 g (including the quick-release mechanism), the steering wheel feels nimble in your hands rather than clunky. The grips are made of 60 Shore hardness molded rubber—firm and grippy—without the maintenance required by Alcantara. The only aesthetic drawback is that this rubber quickly picks up dust.

Controls designed for gloved hands

The control panel is compact and well-organized: 12 RGB backlit, dimmable front buttons, 2 buttons on the back, three 12-position switches in the center, and two rotary encoders on the side panels. Everything is calibrated to be firm, with about 700 g of actuation force on the buttons, to prevent accidental presses while wearing gloves. The thumb encoders are rubberized, very tactile, and each click is distinctly felt. The magnetic shift paddles feature a push/pull mechanism that allows you to upshift and downshift with one hand, and the two analog clutch paddles (Hall sensors, adjustable travel) can be configured for slip point, double clutch, or free-wheel modes. The small one-inch OLED screen displays speed, current gear, and provides access to the Tuning Menu.

On the track: What it feels like

With the controller in hand during a GT3 run, the steering wheel conveys an impressive amount of detail. The feedback is direct and precise, never vague or mushy: when entering a fast corner, you can clearly feel the front end loading up, and the lightweight carbon-fiber chassis maintains a sharp, responsive feel with every weight transfer. During long acceleration runs, the firmness of the buttons and paddles prevents accidental inputs when your hands start to get tired. Two honest caveats: the two rear buttons require some finger gymnastics to reach, and the clutch paddles are quite stiff, which can become tiresome during very long endurance sessions.

Compatibility: PC first, PlayStation possible, no Xbox

The steering wheel is compatible with all Fanatec bases, from the CSW V2.0 and CSL Elite to the Podium DD, ClubSport DD, CSL DD, and Gran Turismo DD Pro. On PC, you can take advantage of all features and customization options via FanaLab (RPM LEDs, colors, mappings). On consoles, it works on PS4 and PS5 as long as it’s paired with a licensed PlayStation base, but Fanatec only guarantees full functionality on PC. Please note: it is not compatible with Xbox. Important detail: due to the electronics inherited from the M4 GT3, firmware updates must be performed using the included cable and not via the base.

For whom, and in what market segment?

This is a steering wheel for enthusiasts. It’s designed for intermediate to advanced drivers who already own a high-quality Fanatec setup and spend their evenings racing in GT3, GT4, or modern prototypes. It’s a significant investment, and you’ll need a compatible base to use it, but what you’re paying for here is pure authenticity, impeccable craftsmanship, and race-ready ergonomics. For anyone who wants the real M4 GT3 steering wheel on their simulator, there’s simply no equivalent.