Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 Review — Ultimate High-End GT3 Wheel for Sim Racing

For sim racers who want the pinnacle of realism, premium design, and immersive feedback, the Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 stands in a class of its own. Developed in collaboration with Bentley Motorsport for the real Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car, this wheel isn’t just a sim accessory — it’s a genuine racing-grade control interface adapted for virtual racing.

From its self-levelling touchscreen display and intuitive input layout to its motorsport-grade materials and exclusive collector appeal, this wheel is designed for both performance and prestige. Let’s dive deep into what makes it such a standout option.

🚗 Overview – What Is the Fanatec Podium Bentley GT3 Steering Wheel?

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 is a premium GT3-style steering wheel built around the exact wheel used in the Bentley Continental GT3 hill climb car. It is fully compatible with Fanatec’s high-end wheelbases like Podium DD1, DD2, ClubSport DD+, and CSL DD, offering unmatched realism for sim racers with serious rigs.

Unlike typical sim racing wheels, this Bentley GT3 wheel blends real motorsport engineering with high-tech digital features — bringing the look, feel, and functionality of a race-ready control wheel right to your cockpit.

🛠️ Build Quality & Materials

One of the first things you’ll notice is the exceptional construction quality:

✔ 310 mm diameter with Alcantara-wrapped grips — comfortable and sticky for long sessions.
✔ 5 mm-thick carbon fibre plate with custom Bentley green weave — not just stylish but strong and lightweight.
✔ Magnesium alloy core — offers high rigidity with reduced weight, ensuring precise control.
✔ QR2 Pro quick release system pre-installed — CNC-machined aluminum with an FIA-standard fit ensures a rock-solid connection.

This mix of carbon, magnesium, and high-end tactile materials gives the wheel a real-car feel that many sim racers prize above all else.

📊 Self-Levelling Touchscreen Display & Telemetry

A defining feature that instantly sets this wheel apart is its 3.4″ auto-levelling touchscreen display at the centre of the wheel:

🟡 800 × 800 RGB LCD screen with touch controls — clear, bright, and easy to read during races.
🟡 Self-levelling feature keeps the display upright no matter how you turn the wheel.
🟡 Capable of showing in-game telemetry, tuning menus, and live data.

When not connected to a wheelbase, the display isn’t wasted either — with the included desk or wall mount, it can act as an elegant Bentley-style analogue clock or replay interesting track telemetry and videos.

🔘 Control Inputs — Thoughtful & Intuitive Layout

This wheel provides an impressive array of inputs designed for competitive racing:

• Eight snap-dome buttons — tactile, reliable, and easy to find mid-race.
• Two 7-way FunkySwitch™ directional sticks — perfect for multi-function control menus.
• Four CNC aluminum rotary encoders with Bentley knurling for smooth tuning adjustments.
• Two aluminum thumb wheels with optical encoders — precise rotational inputs for settings or data scrolling.
• Nine RGB RevLEDs & six RGB FlagLEDs programmable via FanaLab for custom visual cues.

The layout is large but intuitive, keeping essential controls within thumb reach without overwhelming the driver.

🏎️ Paddles & Shift Controls

At the rear, the wheel incorporates an advanced paddle system:

✔ Four magnetic paddles — two dedicated for gear shifting, two for auxiliary functions.
✔ Two analogue clutch paddles using contactless Hall sensors — precise and durability-focused.

This paddle arrangement not only mimics the feel of a true GT3 race wheel but ensures smooth, reliable gear changes and control inputs during intense racing moments.

🔌 Compatibility & Setup

The Bentley GT3 wheel is fully compatible with Fanatec’s ecosystem:

✔ Works with Podium DD1, DD2, DD1 PS4™, ClubSport DD+, CSL DD, and Gran Turismo® DD Pro wheelbases.
✔ Compatible on PC and PlayStation (when matched with a PlayStation-compatible Fanatec base).

The included USB-C port allows firmware updates, ensuring the wheel stays current with improvements and game support.

🎨 Style & Collector Appeal

More than just a tool for racing, this wheel doubles as a collector’s item:

🎖 The included wall/desk mount allows it to serve as a decorative clock or display piece inspired by Bentley’s analogue timepieces.
🎨 A sticker pack of 50 labels and interchangeable button caps offer some personalization.

For enthusiasts of both sim racing and the Bentley brand, it’s a striking showpiece when not mounted in a rig.

👍 Pros — What Makes It Stand Out

• ⭐ Real Bentley GT3 authenticity with licensed design and materials.
• ⭐ Interactive self-levelling touchscreen that brings data to life.
• ⭐ Comprehensive control suite with buttons, rotary encoders, and funky sticks.
• ⭐ Elegant display modes including telemetry playback and clock mode.
• ⭐ Premium build quality with carbon fiber, magnesium, and Alcantara.

👎 Cons — Things to Consider

⚠ Premium price tag — it’s one of the most expensive steering wheels on the market, and may be overkill for casual racers.
⚠ Display UX can take time to learn — the touchscreen interface is powerful but not always immediately intuitive.
⚠ Alcantara grips require careful maintenance — premium materials mean extra care.

🏁 Final Verdict — A Flagship GT3 Wheel for Sim Racing Aficionados

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 is more than just a controller — it’s a high-precision, high-style instrument for sim racing fans who want the very best. Its blend of real-world provenance, premium construction, modern touchscreen data, and rich input controls make it an unmatched choice in the high-end segment.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5) — an elite wheel that delivers immersive realism and collector appeal, ideal for sim racers with top-tier rigs and serious ambitions.