Sim-racing has come a long way since its beginnings in the late 90s, with the emergence of brands such as Logitech and Thrustmaster. Back then, the discipline was still in its infancy, with a fairly small fanbase. But that soon changed, especially with the democratization of game consoles like the PS2 and Xbox.

As far as I’m concerned, sim-racing is more than a discipline or a hobby. It’s a unique passion that I share with many sim-racers around the world. Driving a race car on a mythical circuit makes no sense if I don’t have my own sim-racing setup, with at least a steering wheel, base and pedals.

As you surely know, the peripherals of this discipline are diverse and varied, affecting all categories of sim-racers and especially bank accounts. Today, you can allocate a budget of €300 to sim-racing and still get top-quality products, as is the case with the Thrustmaster T248.

In what follows, I’m going to give you an introduction to this steering wheel, the T248, and everything you need to know about it if you’re considering it as the next key element in your sim-racing setup.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• 28 cm diameter wheel
• Max. rotation angle 900°.
• 3-pedal crankset
• Intuitive, easy-to-use OLED display
• Flat-bottomed steering wheel
• Brushless motor for force feedback
• Compatible with PS4, PS5 and PC
• Different driving modes

Thrustmaster T248 design

Design is, well I find, a rather subjective element, especially when it comes to sim-racing peripherals. But the truth is that the Thrustmaster T248 is a beautiful wheel. The wheel is 28 cm in diameter, with a flat bottom and predominantly sober colors. Black predominates, and gray.

The overall design of the steering wheel is plastic, but with a well-made feel. It’s on a par with a CSL DD Gran Turismo from Fanatec (on which I’ve already given my review right here), and frankly I love it. On the steering wheel, there’s a red strip at the top and buttons all over the place, echoing those on Sony controllers. It’s sober and very minimalist, with a few red accents here and there.

Unlike some of the manufacturer’s other models, the T248’s base is rather small, as are the paddles. This is practical and allows it to go unnoticed on certain setups.

As for the pedalboard, it’s the T3PMand it’s excellent for its category. Its design is rather basic, with metal and plastic, but in absolute terms it’s beautiful and blends in perfectly with the look of the steering wheel.

Customized assembly

Unlike brands such as Fanatec or Simucube , who offer top-of-the-range products, Thrustmaster focuses on the entry and mid-range, with peripherals for virtually any sim-racer on a more or less limited budget. However, the brand wants to change this by attacking its competitors on their own turf. But that’s a subject for another article.

The T248 is a recent mid-range steering wheel, by today’s standards. It’s easy to assemble, with a mounting mechanism that allows it to be used on a desk, table or cockpit. In fact, many Playseat chassis are compatible with Thrustmaster steering wheels. If you’re interested, I invite you to discover a few I’ve tested by click here.

What’s a pity, but quite understandable because of the price, is the fact that this steering wheel doesn’t have a Quick Release for changing wheels. But then, for less than €300, it’s already an excellent product with superb force feedback.

Manufacturing and finishing

As this steering wheel is recent, it benefits fromThrustmaster‘s latest manufacturing advances. Even though the T248 ‘s structure is made entirely of plastic, it’s still very well made, but concessions had to be made to offer a product that’s both high-performance and not too expensive.

All the surfaces of the T248 are smooth and fit together very well, without any burrs. It’s a beautiful steering wheel, very well finished for its price. I’ve seen more expensive peripherals with very poor finishes.

The T248 reminds me of a Fanatec steering wheel in terms of build quality. The paddles are also plastic, but use magnetic sensors and H.E.A.R.T technology, and this ensures responsiveness and precision. Although the paddles clicked well during my use, I didn’t really like the sound of moving plastic.

Apart from that, I think the T248 is a very well-made steering wheel, with an excellent finish.

Handling the steering wheel

As soon as you pick it up, you’ll immediately forget that the T248 is made of plastic. The grip on this steering wheel is just excellent, bordering on perfect, and that’s coming from a fan of Fanatec products.

Overall ergonomics are excellent, with buttons and controls placed very close to your hands, so you don’t have to take them off the wheel to press buttons. However, I would have liked to have had switches, or just one to switch from one driving mode to another. Admittedly, you have a button specifically for this purpose on the left-hand side of the steering wheel, but I’ve grown accustomed to switches. It’s quicker and more precise.

The T248 grips very well, and you won’t feel any fatigue during your sim-racing sessions. The steering wheel is rock-solid in use, but there are occasional noises of plastic here and there. All in all, it’s not a nuisance, but it may bother you at first.

Another positive feature is the wheel’s leather finish. It’s well made, and you’ll be able to spend hours sim-racing without too much trouble.

Sensations during play

Thrustmaster products are renowned for providing excellent gaming sensations, and the T248 is no exception. This steering wheel is immersive in every detail.

The base motors work superbly, and are calibrated to perfection to give you the most realistic force feedback. What’s more, Thrustmaster has added its magic sauce of proprietary technologies to push realism even further, reproducing everything the car does.

Steering is both precise and highly responsive. During my hours with the T248, I didn’t notice, or indeed feel, any dead spots in the center of the steering wheel. As soon as I turned the wheel a degree, the car immediately changed trajectory, making my sim-racing sessions even more immersive.

I’d now like to turn to the T3PM crankset. Even though it’s almost entirely made of plastic, I really liked this crankset. The pedals are superbly well proportioned, whether for gas pedal, brake or clutch. By the way, Thrustmaster supplies a different spring for the brake, allowing even more fine-tuning. This crankset is excellent, and is rivaled only by Fanatec products in terms of price.

Thrustmaster T248 compatibility

Compatibility-wise, we’re well served by the T248. This steering wheel is available in two models, one compatible with Sony consoles (PS4 and PS5) as well as PCs, and the other with Xbox consoles.

As far as cockpits are concerned, major brands such as Playseat offer chassis that are also compatible with the T248, and at very low prices too. This means you can easily set up a sim-racing setup for less than 500 euros, complete with steering wheel, pedals and cockpit.

Value for money

A 260 on Amazonfrankly, you can’t beat the T248. This steering wheel provides such a good feel for the game, with exemplary grip, that it’s superb value for money.

Admittedly, it’s made entirely of plastic, but this choice was made to ensure realism and immersion during sim-racing sessions. I can assure you that you won’t find a steering wheel at this price that gives you everything the T248 offers.

My verdict on the Thrustmaster T248

For beginners and amateur sim racers alike, the T248 is a must-have steering wheel for under €300. Competition is virtually non-existent at this price, and Thrustmaster’s wheel stands alone in a market segment highly prized by sim-racing enthusiasts.

It’s a stunning steering wheel that will hold its place for a long time. I highly recommend it to all sim-raceurs. I simply adore it. But if you’re not convinced, or if you’re just curious, I suggest you read my review of the 6 Best Steering Wheels for Sim Racing in 2025.