Leoxz XGT Ultimate Steering Wheel
There are many aspects of testing and reviewing simracing products that we enjoy. One of those aspects is witnessing the emergence of new products, ideas, and designs, as well as watching them grow and develop. Leoxz is a great example in this regard. What started almost two years ago with a product review of a completely new steering wheel manufacturer, has since grown into an established name that doesn’t stand still when it comes to development and improvement of their products. Leoxz started with the XF1 Sport steering wheel, quickly followed by the XF1 Pro and the Leoxz DDU800 Display. A year ago, Leoxz announced the XGT Pro steering wheel, which we reviewed and published a few months ago.
In the meantime, Leoxz has also developed an evolution of the XGT Pro steering wheel: the XGT Ultimate. Like its sibling, this steering wheel is designed with GT racing in mind and comes equipped with several product improvements and a built-in display. Our experience with Leoxz has shown that they are very eager to receive feedback to elevate their products to the next level. Naturally, when asked if we wanted to review the XGT Ultimate, our response was one of great interest and curiosity.
The Leoxz XGT Ultimate steering wheel is available from Leoxz starting at a price of €499.95 excluding VAT and shipping costs. Through Simrace Webshop, the steering wheel is available from €599.00, including VAT but without shipping costs.
Depending on the selected options (wireless functionality, clutch/optional paddles, and QR), the maximum price for this steering wheel is €778.90 excluding VAT and shipping from Leoxz, or €969.99 including VAT but excluding shipping from Simrace Webshop.
After starting our review, Leoxz also sent us the newly introduced ‘XGT Metal Kit,’ which features aluminum knobs. This kit is available from Leoxz for €99.00 excluding VAT and shipping. At the time of writing, we have not yet found a Dutch price for it.
Packaging & Contents
The Leoxz XGT Ultimate was sent directly to us by Leoxz from China. The package was delivered by DHL and took 5 business days to arrive. We received a standard brown shipping box containing the product box for the steering wheel.
In our review of the XGT Pro, we mentioned that Leoxz had introduced a new design for their product box, which we mentioned to seem like more of a universal packaging approach. Our assumption was correct; we received the same matte black product box featuring the Leoxz logo, yellow accents, and the phrases “Racing for all” and “Professional Sim Steering Wheel.” A sticker indicates that it is an XGTU (XGT Ultimate) steering wheel, but this cannot otherwise be discerned from the product box. For us, that doesn’t matter; the design and branding are inviting enough to spark our curiosity and make us eager to see what awaits us inside the box.
Upon opening the product box, we are greeted with a familiar sight from Leoxz: a layer of black foam with two sticker sheets for the steering wheel placed on top. Removing this layer immediately reveals the XGT Ultimate steering wheel, securely nestled in a precise cutout shaped to fit the wheel. Beneath the steering wheel, we find a bag containing the USB cable with a GX12 connector, a pair of tweezers for applying the stickers, and the wireless kit for using the wheel wirelessly.
The ‘XGT Metal Kit’ that Leoxz sent us afterward comes in a small brown box containing several bags with buttons. Included are five black rotary encoder knobs, two black multi-directional switch knobs, and two blue rotary encoder knobs designed for the thumb. Also included are an Allen key, pliers, a microfiber cloth, and a small piece of plastic tool resembling a guitar pick, which is commonly used for opening electronics.
Engineering & Quality
The XGT Ultimate steering wheel shares many similarities with its sibling, the XGT Pro. Readers who have already read our review of the XGT Pro will find much that is familiar here. For the sake of completeness, we will walk you through all the specifications, similarities, and differences.
The XGT Ultimate is fundamentally constructed with a CNC-machined, black anodized aluminum housing. The front features a 4mm thick 3K carbon fiber faceplate, giving it the signature carbon fiber texture. Like the XGT Pro, the steering wheel measures 295mm in width, with hand grips made of injection-molded polyurethane rubber with a coating.
At the center of the front of the steering wheel is the 4.3” IPS display with a resolution of 800×480 pixels, protected by 2mm thick Gorilla Glass. The display has a refresh rate of 60Hz and is fully customizable through SimHub. As we always like to mention, it’s important to note that a SimHub license is required to send telemetry data at 60Hz to the steering wheel in order to fully take advantage of the screen’s refresh rate. Above the display are fifteen RPM LEDs, and on both sides of the screen are three additional LEDs for displaying flags or spotter information, for example.
Additionally, on the front of the steering wheel are fourteen push buttons with a 500g actuation force, each equiped with RGB LEDs, with seven on the left and seven on the right of the wheel. There are five rotary encoders with RGB lighting in the center of the steering wheel, a thumb rotary encoder on each side, and a 7-way multifunctional switch, also known as funky switches, placed by each thumb. This gives the XGT Ultimate a total of 37 input options on the front of the steering wheel.
The equipment on the back of the steering wheel depends on the user’s configuration. Our XGT Ultimate is equipped with the standard two shifter modules, two optional magnetic modules above them, and two optional analog modules below. The lower modules are spring-loaded and can be used as analog inputs or as a dual-clutch system. The paddles, like the front plate of the steering wheel, are made from 4mm thick 3K carbon fiber. One of the points of criticism we’ve raised with previous Leoxz steering wheels is that the wheel feels quite cramped and less suitable for larger hands, with the shifter modules positioned relatively close to the wheel. In the XGT Ultimate’s box, we found longer screws and spacers for the paddles, allowing them to be moved further back. This, in our view, once again demonstrates that Leoxz is open to feedback from its users, as we’ve seen before.
All modules on the back of the steering wheel are equipped with Hall sensors for smooth, contactless, and frictionless operation. Additionally, on the back, we find the antenna for the wireless 2.4G connection through the XGT Wireless Kit, and the GX12 USB interface to connect the curled cable from the steering wheel. Lastly, at the center of the wheel, there’s a 70mm bolt pattern for attaching a Quick Release adapter.
The steering wheel features a Fanatec mode and can be connected to the Leoxz Fanatec QR to fully utilize the power of the Fanatec wheelbase. In Fanatec mode, the steering wheel can be used on a PS4/PS5, though this functionality has been limitedly tested by Leoxz on a Fanatec DD Pro in combination with Gran Turismo 7.
Mounting
We are going to use the Leoxz XGT Ultimate steering wheel on one of our Formula setups, which is equipped with an Asetek Forte wheelbase. To do this, we attach one of our Asetek Invicta Quick Release adapters to the XGT Ultimate steering wheel. The Quick Release is mounted externally, making it very easy to attach. We prefer to hide the cable from the steering wheel as much as possible inside the extender of the Asetek Quick Release adapter so it doesn’t get in the way while driving. Attaching the Quick Release adapter takes just a few minutes. After that, we can click the steering wheel onto the Asetek Forte wheelbase and dive into the software.
Software
The Leoxz XGT Ultimate, like the XGT Pro, uses SimHub in combination with the Leoxz plugin called SimBridge. This plugin facilitates communication between the steering wheel and the software and can be downloaded from the Leoxz website. When we place the steering wheel onto our wheelbase and power up the wheelbase followed by SimHub, the steering wheel is immediately recognized thanks to the Leoxz SimBridge module.
On the left side of the Leoxz SimBridge plugin screen, we see an overview of the input options, with the analog modules at the top, displaying the indicators BP (Bite Point), LC (Left Clutch), and RC (Right Clutch). Below these are all the input buttons. Under the input options, there are presets for the static lighting of the buttons on the steering wheel, along with an option to adjust the brightness.
On the right side of the screen, we can select a dashboard template to display on the steering wheel’s screen, as well as an optional ‘idle dashboard’ that determines what the screen shows when no game or sim is active. Below that, there are detailed options for presets of the RGB LEDs and button lighting. At the very bottom, we find shortcut options to control the steering wheel’s screen with buttons.
Quick Controls
The Leoxz XGT Ultimate steering wheel is also equipped with an onboard ‘Quick Controls’ menu, which can be accessed by pressing and holding the middle encoder in the bottom row of the wheel. This opens the full-screen menu with various options and quick settings. From here, we can switch between USB and Fanatec modes, enter an SSID and password for WiFi adapter connection, and configure the ‘encoder width’. The ‘encoder width’ determines how long the input remains registered when turning the encoder, in milliseconds. A lower value (faster setting) makes the signal shorter, which can increase responsiveness but also leads to potential double inputs being registered more quickly. A higher value (longer setting) extends the signal duration, which may feel less responsive but helps prevent multiple inputs being registered with a single action.
Through the Quick Controls, we can also configure the optional analog paddles to function as individual analog inputs or as dual clutch paddles. For analog input, we select ‘Axis’ as the setting, and for the dual clutch, we choose ‘Bite Point’. When selecting ‘Bite Point’, the paddles function as expected on a steering wheel with dual clutch paddles: both paddles are pulled in for 100% clutch input, after which one paddle can be fully released to go to a predefined percentage while the other paddle remains engaged. The second paddle can then be gradually released from the bite point. In this menu, by pulling one of the paddles and turning the button on the right funky switch, we can adjust the bite point percentage. Up to 8 presets can be created for this. This allows us to configure the perfect bite point for multiple cars and quickly switch between them.
Driving with the Leoxz XGT Ultimate Steering Wheel
As mentioned, we will be testing the Leoxz XGT Ultimate steering wheel on our Asetek Forte wheelbase, mounted on one of our FormulaSimRigs Avanzata setups. We will be driving in Assetto Corsa Competizione and Assetto Corsa with some of the RSS Formula cars.
With our previous experiences with Leoxz steering wheels, and the fact that the XGT Ultimate is an evolution of the XGT Pro, our first impression is naturally quite familiar. The 295mm width of the steering wheel feels like a nice compromise between a Formula and GT-style wheel. The grips are fairly firm but have a very soft texture to the touch, which we have always appreciated from Leoxz. When driving without gloves, we can enjoy the grips as they provide a good amount of hold on the wheel. Even when driving with gloves, the grips offer plenty of grip on the steering wheel. What’s positive about holding the wheel is that, like the XGT Pro, the XGT Ultimate is more suitable for larger hands. We have more room at both the thumb and the shift paddles compared to the Formula steering wheels from Leoxz.
Front side
The push buttons on the front of the steering wheel also feel familiar to us, which is surely positive. The buttons have a very short travel, require a pleasant 500g of force to be activated, and have a nice ‘clicky’ feel. They have a slightly dampened sensation and exhibit almost no lateral play, making them feel solid. Most of the buttons are within easy reach, allowing us to operate them while driving without losing grip on the wheel. The only buttons we have to reach a bit more for are the four (two on each side) located at a slight angle beneath the thumbs. All buttons are equipped with a small or large collar, which completely prevents accidental presses.
The Leoxz XGT Ultimate steering wheel is relatively light at +/- 1.5kg. This ensures that the forces from our Forte wheelbase come through quickly and directly, providing a light, comfortable experience. Smaller vibrations and feedback are also transmitted well through the steering wheel. Even when we dial back the wheelbase to less than 5Nm, the vibrations and feedback remain noticeable, although we need to be a bit more attentive to them than usual, of course.
We find the rotating encoders on the thumbs to be extremely pleasant to use. They offer a good resistance—neither too heavy nor too light—that ensures they are not accidentally activated. These encoders provide a very satisfying tactile click, which gives us great control when adjusting settings while driving. We prefer to use the rotating thumb encoders for traction control and brake bias, which we adjust frequently. With the thumb encoders on the XGT Ultimate, we can make these changes predictably and with precision.
However, we are a bit more critical of the rotating encoders in the middle of the wheel, just as we were with the XGT Pro. While the buttons themselves feel fine, they rotate too easily, and it’s even lighter to press them. Like with the XGT Pro, we often find ourselves accidentally pressing the rotating encoders on the XGT Ultimate when we only intend to rotate them.
In terms of input options, we also have the multifunctional switches on the front, commonly known in the sim racing world as the ‘funky switches.’ These work exactly as expected. The buttons have a comfortable grip, and we find them ideal for navigating through menus. Both the pressing and rotating of the buttons meet our expectations. If we were to point out something, it would be that the button has a bit of play around the center point, where you can move the stick around freely without registering an input.
Perhaps the most important highlight of the XGT Ultimate steering wheel is, of course, the 4.3” IPS screen. With its resolution of 800×480 pixels and a 60hz refresh rate, it’s simply a good and pleasant screen to read data from. The adjustable brightness is good, and the blacks are excellent. If we had to point out a criticism, it would be that the colors aren’t extremely saturated, so they don’t fully pop off the screen, but they are surely more than sufficient. During our testing sessions, we found the screen comfortable and easy to look at, and we could read the information clearly and pleasantly, which is ultimately what matters most.
The RPM and RGB LEDs above and on either side of the screen are quite straightforward. They simply do what we expect: they’re bright and have good looking colors. The adjustability through SimHub is great, allowing us to easily display data like flags and spotter information on the steering wheel. That said, we also enjoyed driving without the RGB lighting on the buttons, as we appreciate the all-black look of the wheel as well.
Between our sessions, we also installed the XGT Metal Kit on the steering wheel and applied the stickers. The Leoxz instruction video shows how to remove the plastic buttons and replace them with the new aluminum ones from the XGT Metal Kit. It’s a simple task that we completed in just a few minutes. The XGT Metal Kit adds a nice finishing touch to the XGT Ultimate steering wheel, but in terms of driving experience, we don’t find it makes a huge difference. The buttons do feel more solid and high-quality to the touch, and they are pleasant to use, but we’re not convinced that this kit, with its relatively hefty price tag, elevates the steering wheel significantly. Especially since only the rotating thumb encoders have a different color, and the rest of the buttons look the same, so it doesn’t really add an extra premium aesthetic.
The stickers we received with the XGT Ultimate steering wheel are familiar from previous Leoxz models. They’re fine overall but quite thin. While they are easy to apply, they can be difficult to reposition without damaging them if not applied as desired. The biggest drawback of the stickers is their thickness; because they’re so thin, a lot of light from the buttons shines through, making them appear quite faded. This slightly detracts from the premium experience of the steering wheel.
Rear side
The most important feature on the rear of the steering wheel, of course, are the shifter modules. The shifter modules on the XGT Ultimate steering wheel feel familiar to us once again. The travel is a bit longer than on Leoxz Formula wheels but certainly not too long. The magnetic resistance is very pleasant, requiring a bit of assertiveness to shift quickly and effectively. The shifter paddles do produce some noise, which can be distracting for partners and housemates, though we’ve experienced louder ones before. The same also applies to the upper optional paddles.
Additionally, we’ve installed the provided spacers on our shifterpaddles, moving them 5mm further back. This might seem like a small adjustment, but in practice, we find it quite beneficial. With our fingers reaching a bit further, we get more depth and volume in the steering feel which we enjoy, and which also gives more space for sim racers with larger hands. We ultimately didn’t use the spacers on the optional paddles above the shift modules, as they felt too far away for us personally.
The analog clutch paddles on the XGT Ultimate steering wheel are in good shape. They’re easily accessible, and the operation is virtually frictionless. The resistance is slightly on the lighter side, but it doesn’t stop us from engaging and disengaging the clutch consistently and effectively. Overall, the feel of these paddles is comfortable.
Conclusion
With the XGT Ultimate steering wheel, Leoxz has once again made an impressive evolution of an existing wheel in their lineup. We admire how quickly Leoxz continues to develop and launch products after entering the market, while also listening closely to feedback from the sim racing community. The XGT Ultimate steering wheel is another example of their commitment.
The XGT Ultimate steering wheel is GT racing oriented, but also strikes a nice balance in size between GT and Formula-style wheels. It is both solid and lightweight, allowing vibrations and feedback to come through effectively. Along with the XGT Pro, the XGT Ultimate offers more space for the fingers than their Formula-style wheels. The additional spacers we received for the shifter paddles and optional paddles are a great example of Leoxz listening to feedback and striving to accommodate all sim racers.
The input options are well-designed, with the push buttons and rotating thumb encoders being particularly enjoyable to use. The standard rotating encoders at the center of the wheel, however, are a bit too light and too easily pressed by accident. The shifter paddles and optional paddles are excellent, though they do produce some noise. The clutch paddles could have been a bit heavier for our preference, but they’re still perfectly functional and comfortable to use. The option for wireless control of the steering wheel is a great feature, though we unfortunately couldn’t test it in our setup.
The screen on the steering wheel offers a nice size, good sharpness and brightness, and solid black levels. The customization options for the wheel, both for the screen and all the LEDs, are extensive through SimHub. The Quick Controls menu on the wheel is a great, user-friendly addition. The ability to set multiple presets for the bite point of the clutch is a valuable feature for sim racers who use the clutch on the wheel and drive a variety of cars.
All in all, Leoxz has added another impressive steering wheel to their lineup with minimal criticism from our side. The XGT Ultimate is a great all-round steering wheel, primarily designed for GT racing, but we also had a lot of fun using it in Formula cars.
Depending on the chosen options, the steering wheel is available from Leoxz starting at €499.95. The maximum price is €877.90, which includes all options, quick-release, and the XGT Metal Kit. These prices exclude VAT and shipping costs. At Simrace Webshop, the starting price is €599.00, including VAT but excluding shipping costs.
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