Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition Steering Wheel
Cube Controls had been notably absent from our platform for a while, despite their established reputation as a leading manufacturer in the sim racing world. A few years ago, we had the chance to test the Formula Pro wheel, but unfortunately, no reviews followed after that. Until now! During our talks with the Cube Controls team at both Sim Formula Europe in January and the ADAC Simracing Expo in October, we were offered the opportunity to review three of their wheels: the Mercedes-AMG GT Edition, the F-PRO, and the GT-X2. Of course, we couldn’t say no to that!
Cube Controls, an Italian brand, is renowned for its premium-quality wheels that combine a passion for design with craftsmanship. Their mission is to provide sim racers with wheels that come as close to reality as possible. We’re kicking off this review series with the Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition, an impressive wheel born from a partnership with Mercedes-AMG.
The Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition wheel is available through the Cube Controls webshop and is currently priced from €885.00. We received the version with the aluminum hub, priced at €954.00, including VAT but excluding shipping costs.
Packaging and Contents
We receive four separate packages from DHL Express, delivered to us three business days after shipping. The products arrive in plain brown shipping boxes. One of these contains the Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel; the contents of the other packages will be covered in our upcoming reviews of the two remaining wheels.
Opening the brown box reveals a sleek matte-black product box with red sides, featuring the Mercedes, AMG, and Cube Controls branding. Inside, we’re greeted by a layer of black foam with the quote, “Are you ready to make it real?”—an inviting message that sparks curiosity about what lies beneath. Lifting this layer reveals the Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel, neatly nestled in a custom foam cutout.
Beneath this layer, we find a red cardboard section with cutouts holding two black boxes. One box contains the aluminum hub and a storage pouch, while the other holds a Q-Conn magnetic connection cable, some tools, and various bolts and nuts for mounting the aluminum hub and a quick-release. At the very bottom of the box, there’s a detailed sticker sheet. All in all, an impressive package that’s ready to get us started right away!
The Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition Steering Wheel
The Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition Steering Wheel, as mentioned, is the result of a collaboration between Cube Controls and Mercedes-AMG. This wheel is a variation of the one used in the Track Series and GT2 Series, enhanced with additional buttons and rotary encoders to better suit sim racers. The wheel exudes quality, with a width of 320 mm and comfortable elastomer grips shaped identically to the original steering wheel. The base features a black anodized front plate with carbon details, mounted on a robust and beautifully finished black anodized aluminum housing. The front subtly displays both the Mercedes and Cube Controls logos.
Frontside
On the front of the steering wheel, there are ten momentary buttons, with five on each side. Surrounding six of these buttons—three on each side—are button guards to prevent accidental presses. Each side also features two multi-directional joysticks with rotary encoder functionality, strategically placed at thumb height. Above the joysticks are two additional rotary encoders with red aluminum dials. Closer to the center, on both sides, are two more rotary encoders with aluminum knobs. Both the buttons and rotary encoders are equipped with RGB labels and/or RGB backlighting, adding both functionality and style.
Backside
On the back of the steering wheel, we find shift modules on both sides, identical to those on the real Mercedes-AMG Track Series and GT2 cars. These modules are crafted from sleek red aluminum and feature carbon paddles, adjustable in four width positions. At the center of the wheel is the mounting point for the aluminum hub. Surrounding this area are a power button, a Bluetooth antenna, and the connector for the Q-conn magnetic cable. Subtly placed in the top left and right corners are the AMG and Cube Controls logos.
Assembly
We’ll be using the Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel on our Simucube 2 Sport wheelbase, attaching a Simucube Quick Release for this setup. First, we mount the included aluminum hub to the back of the steering wheel, which is easily done using three of the supplied M5 bolts. Next, we secure our Simucube Quick Release to the hub, also with three M5 bolts.
It’s also possible to mount the Simucube Quick Release directly onto the steering wheel. However, since our setup is designed to include a hub between the wheel and the wheelbase—providing a bit of extra space—we’ve chosen this option.
Once the steering wheel is attached to our Simucube wheelbase, we connect the Q-Conn magnetic cable to the wheel and plug the USB connector into an available USB port on our PC. Now we’re ready to configure the Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel in SimHub and/or Cube Controls’ software, the CubeSet App.
Software
The steering wheel can be connected either wired through USB or wirelessly with Bluetooth. In Bluetooth mode, the wheel runs on its internal battery, with the blue LED flashing to indicate pairing mode. Through the PC’s Bluetooth settings, the wheel can easily be selected and paired. Once paired successfully, it will automatically reconnect every time it’s powered on. The Bluetooth range is about 10 meters, depending on any possible obstacles. In USB mode, the Bluetooth LED is off, and the wheel can be connected directly using the Q-Conn connector. This USB cable also charges the internal battery. As mentioned earlier, we prefer USB mode due to its more stable connection. Additionally, since our PC lacks Bluetooth, this choice is self-evident.
SimHub
To use the LEDs and telemetry features, the Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel needs to be added to SimHub. This process is now quite simple since most steering wheels are supported by default in SimHub. We select the brand “Cube Controls,” choose the type “Mercedes-AMG GT Edition,” and click “OK.” With these steps, the wheel is successfully added to SimHub. This enables all basic functionalities, allowing us to move on to configuring the RGB LEDs and the telemetry features of the buttons and encoders.
We can now create one or more profiles and customize them with various telemetry effects and functions. We opt for the default profile and adjust the RGB LED colors to our preferences.
CubeSet
Many manufacturers prefer not to rely on SimHub and develop their own software instead, as Cube Controls does with the CubeSet App (current version v1.19). However, the CubeSet App is only compatible with the new line of steering wheels; older Formula and GT models do not (yet) work with this software.
The functionality is similar to SimHub, but in CubeSet, we can also calibrate the shifters and update the firmware. Additionally, the CubeSet App allows us to reset the steering wheel to factory settings and check the battery status (this last feature is only available with a Bluetooth connection).
The Use
We’re seated in our Sim-Lab P1X Pro, gripping the Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel tightly. We can’t wait to put this wheel through its paces. For this review, we’ll be testing it in Assetto Corsa Competizione, naturally with a Mercedes-AMG GT3. From the very first touch, it’s clear that Cube Controls has put a lot of focus on quality and comfort. The grips feel sturdy yet soft and comfortable. Whether driving with or without gloves, the grips ensure our hands don’t get sticky while providing excellent control.
With a diameter of 320 mm, the wheel feels a bit large for a GT-style wheel, which can sometimes make it feel cumbersome in tight corners. However, by setting the steering ratio to 640 degrees in the Simucube software and Assetto Corsa Competizione, it feels much more agile. This adjustment makes the wheel versatile and well-suited for both technical tracks and faster, more open circuits.
Front controls
We have a very positive experience with the front controls of the Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel, both in terms of looks and functionality. The buttons are easy to reach while driving and have a satisfying feel. They provide a distinct click, pleasant resistance, and just the right amount of travel. While we initially thought the buttons with guards might be difficult to use, this wasn’t an issue in practice.
The buttons also feature LED lighting, which is not only visually appealing but highly practical. The bright lighting makes it easy to quickly identify specific buttons and adds useful telemetry features. For example, the pit limiter button can blink red/blue in the pit lane and red/yellow outside it. The LEDs above the encoders come pre-programmed with helpful functions like flag indicators, max RPM, spotter notifications, and more. While the default settings work perfectly for us, software like SimHub allows for even more telemetry customization.
The two thumb encoders are perfectly placed, easy to use, and provide clear feedback. The rotary encoders in the middle of the wheel are another highlight. They feel sturdy, offer satisfying resistance, and audibly click into the next position. The shape of the knobs makes it easy to turn them to the desired setting. While we do need to take our hand off the wheel briefly to use them, that’s pretty standard for encoders in this position.
Rear controls
The controls on the back of the Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel are impressive, though we have one minor note. The shift modules are of excellent build quality, well-positioned, and provide clear feedback with a satisfying amount of travel. However, they are not exactly quiet. In fact, these might be the loudest shift paddles we’ve tested so far.
The carbon paddles are also well-placed and adjustable in four width positions, making them suitable for nearly any hand size. We set the paddles to the second widest position, which we found to be the most comfortable for us. Although the modules can’t be adjusted in depth (closer or farther from the wheel), we don’t see this as a drawback. The default distance works well for both large and small hands.
On the back of the wheel is a power switch. Once turned on, the wheel automatically powers off when the PC shuts down and turns back on when the PC is restarted. SimHub recognizes the wheel instantly and begins transmitting telemetry data automatically. The wheel has an internal battery for wireless Bluetooth use, though we didn’t test this feature as we don’t have Bluetooth available. Additionally, we prefer a wired connection for its perceived stability. The battery is rechargeable through the Q-Conn USB cable.
For the wired connection, the wheel features Cube Controls’ proprietary Q-Conn connector. This magnetic USB connection snaps securely into place and stays firmly attached during use. Throughout our test sessions, we never experienced the cable coming loose, which gives us confidence in the reliability of this system.
Conclusion
With the Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel, Cube Controls has developed a high-quality and versatile option for the serious sim racer. The wheel boasts a sleek design and is crafted from premium materials. At 320 mm in diameter, it feels slightly large for a GT wheel, but adjusting the steering ratio to 640 degrees in both the Simucube software and Assetto Corsa Competizione makes it more agile and well-suited to various tracks.
The grips are sturdy, comfortable, and provide excellent traction, whether we’re driving with or without gloves. The wheel can connect through USB or wirelessly through Bluetooth, though we prefer USB for its stable connection. The innovative Q-Conn connector ensures a reliable wired setup, even during intense sessions.
Equipped with a wide array of buttons, encoders, and LEDs, the wheel is both practical and visually appealing. The buttons have a satisfying feel, offering a clear click and good resistance. The thumb encoders and rotary encoders in the center are smooth to operate and provide solid feedback. The LED lighting is pre-programmed with useful telemetry indicators but can easily be customized in SimHub or the CubeSet App.
On the rear side, the wheel features well-placed shifter modules with a solid travel and carbon paddles adjustable in four widths. While the paddles are somewhat loud to say the least, their build quality and functionality more than compensate.
Integration with SimHub is seamless, offering extensive telemetry customization options. The CubeSet App adds even more features, such as shifter calibration, firmware updates, and battery management. This makes the wheel a versatile choice for sim racers who value quality, comfort, and functionality.
The Cube Controls Mercedes-AMG GT Edition steering wheel is a worthy addition to any sim racing setup, thanks to its excellent build quality and broad range of features. It’s particularly ideal for those who enjoy driving a virtual Mercedes-AMG GT. With a recommended price of €954.00 (including VAT, excluding shipping), the wheel sits in the higher price range. However, considering its quality and performance, we believe it’s worth the investment. We tested the wheel with a Sim-Lab P1X Pro, Simucube 2 Sport, and Assetto Corsa Competizione and were highly satisfied with the results.
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