GRID MPX V2 Review: Perfection In Every Detail

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Welcome to this comprehensive review of the GRID MPX V2 steering wheel. I have rarely been so excited to review a steering wheel as with the GRID MPX V2. Right, you read it right; the renewed V2! The GRID MPX is regarded by many as the best sim racing wheel, and for good reason. So I'm very excited to be able to test this new, high-quality wheel extensively and answer the question of how good it really is.

In this GRID MPX V2 review we dive deep into the build quality, design, performance, user experience of the MPX V2. Among other things, we discuss its key features, pros and cons and a comprehensive user experience. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just an enthusiastic beginner; I hope this review will help you determine whether the GRID MPX V2 steering wheel is the right choice for your sim racing setup. So let's get started!

Packaging and Content

Bij het ontvangen van het GRID Engineering MPX V2 stuurwiel valt direct de zorg en aandacht op die besteed is aan de verpakking. De doos zelf is stevig en professioneel ontworpen, met het GRID-logo prominent op de voorkant. Het geeft meteen een premium gevoel en wekt de verwachting dat de inhoud van hoge kwaliteit is. Wat overigens direct opvalt is dat er op de doos nergens V2 staat vermeld, wat impliceert dat dit de V1 betreft. Gelukkig is dat niet waar en heeft GRID Engineering bevestigd dat ze – in ieder geval voor dit review exemplaar – nog de doos van de V1 hebben gebruikt.

Upon opening the box, you immediately notice the tightly organised and well-protected contents. The steering wheel itself is centrally located and firmly secured with foam inserts to prevent it from moving during transport. These inserts are precisely cut to fit perfectly around the steering wheel and accessories, offering not only protection but also a neat presentation. The handles of the MPX V2 steering wheel are neatly wrapped in foil to prevent damage. While this is certainly nice, it unfortunately takes some time to remove this foil (carefully).

All other accessories and supplies are well and neatly organised and packaged and can be found when removing the foam protection.

In summary, you will find the following in the box:

• The GRID MPX V2 Steering Wheel
• High-quality sticker sheets to label buttons and dials
• Tweezers for placing the stickers
• A concise manual containing a QR code that links to the online manual
• A USB cable
• A power adapter
• A data cable with a 6 pin Lumberg connector
• The Power Injection Box (PIB)
• Tools and bolts you need to mount the Power Injection Box and handlebar to your QR hub.

Installation

Now that we have unpacked the GRID MPX V2, it is time to install the steering wheel and mount everything in my simulator. But before I do that, I first place the supplied stickers on the steering wheel. Using the included tweezers, placing the stickers is very easy and a piece of cake. There is more than enough choice and options to configure the steering wheel completely to your liking. Which is nice.

Power Injection Box: What A Great Addition!

Now that we have the decals in place, it is time to mount the steering wheel in my simulator. This whole process is fantastic! What immediately stands out, and in my opinion, definitely one of the best advantages of the steering wheel is the fitting of the Power Injection Box. You easily and quickly place this small 12V box on the side of your simulator, which you then connect to a power socket and to your PC with the included power adapter and USB cable. By simply pressing the on/off button on the PIB, the steering wheel turns on and is automatically recognised by your PC. The PIB also has some interesting advantages:

1. Improved cable management

Proper cable management is a major frustration and challenge in sim racing. One solution to this is to use the 6-pin Lumberg cable that connects to the PIB instead of directly to the PC or USB hub. This makes this frustration a thing of the past. Nothing is more annoying than a twisted cable tucked away behind your PC and tangled with other cables. The PIB makes cable management a lot clearer and nicely tucked away.

2. Improved Signal Transmission

The PIB provides enhanced signal transmission, eliminating signal loss between the steering wheel and the PC. This means that every input, no matter how small, is recorded accurately and without delay.

3. Stable and Reliable Power Supply

The PIB provides a stable and reliable power supply to the steering wheel. This is especially important when using features such as the 87 RGB LEDs and the numerous buttons and switches, all of which require power to function optimally. A stable power supply ensures that these functions operate without interruption, contributing to a consistent and immersive racing experience.

GRID Engineering MPX V2

Aiming for ultimate realism and performance? Then the MPX V2 offers an unparalleled combination of precision, durability and customisation options. Designed by GRID Engineering, this steering wheel consists of high-quality materials and innovative features with attention to every detail. The design is minimalist, elegant but also tough and robust.

Differences between GRID MPX V1 and V2

The GRID MPX V2 offers several improvements over its predecessor, making it an even better choice. One of the most notable updates is the introduction of smaller 7-way buttons, making for more compact and ergonomic operation. In addition, new custom buttons and caps have been added, which not only feel better but are also more visually appealing.

The new generation of gear shifters in the V2 offer increased power resulting in a more satisfying and precise shifting experience. The buttons also now have recessed caps, making sticker alignment easier. Another practical update is the removable 50.8 mm rear hub adapter, which offers more installation flexibility.

Finally, the gearshift paddles and clutches are now mounted at the rear, contributing to improved ergonomics and ease of use. These modifications make the V2 not only more robust and user-friendly, but also better suited to the needs of the demanding sim racer.

Price of the GRID MPX V2

Het GRID MPX V2 Sim Racing Stuurwiel komt met een prijskaartje van € 1.099. Hierdoor valt dit stuurwiel in het duurdere en premium segment. Bij moment van schrijven is het stuurwiel € 100 euro afgeprijsd (reguliere prijs is € 1.199). Hoewel de prijs aanzienlijk is, weerspiegelt dit het gebruik van hoogwaardige materialen, geavanceerde technologie en de uitgebreide aanpassingsmogelijkheden die dit stuurwiel biedt. Voor diegenen die op zoek zijn naar een kwalitatief uitmuntend stuurwiel en bereid te zijn om te investeren in topkwaliteit, dan is de GRID MPX V2 een goede keuze die z’n prijs meer dan waard is. Waarom dat is leg ik je later uit!

Build quality and design

De eerste indruk van de MPX V2 stuurwiel was zeer positief. De bouwkwaliteit van de MPX V2 is uitzonderlijk goed te noemen en het ontwerp is stoer, robuust en bovendien enorm ‘clean’. Less is more, en daar hou ik eigenlijk wel van. Ondanks het minimalistische ontwerp van de GRID MPX V2 zit het stuurwiel boordevol functionaliteiten, maar daarover later meer.

The all-aluminium construction and carbon front plate give the steering wheel a robust and professional look. The steering wheel has a diameter of 295mm and weighs 1700 grams. The front plate is made of 5mm thick carbon fibre. This contributes to the steering wheel's sturdiness and durability without increasing its weight. The use of high-quality 6061 aluminium for the rest of the construction ensures that the steering wheel can withstand the intensity of sim racing. In addition, the aluminium construction ensures a nice and clean finish.

Aluminium Paddles

The shifter flippers and rear clutches are also made of high-quality aluminium and are finished with engraved grooves for extra grip. The gearshift flippers are adjustable and fitted with extra magnets for customised feedback. This makes for a very satisfying and precise shifting experience. The paddles feel immensely comfortable and sit well in the hand. They have a pleasantly short spring travel, allowing you to shift gears quickly and confidently.

I find flippers made of carbon, such as the Cube Controls F-Core and GSI Hyper P1 have, personally nicer, though I am certainly not negative about these aluminium paddles. They are hugely comfortable to hold! Moreover, you can easily adjust them to your liking by turning the screws. All you need for this is an Allen key. The default configuration is sufficient for me in most cases, so I never need to adjust them.

You will experience that GRID Engineering pays attention to every detail. For me, one of the absolute top features of the GRID MPX V2 is the sound of the shifters. These produce a pleasant sound due to the V2's weighted magnets. Of all the steering wheels I have tested, I think the experience of shifting on the MPX V2 is one of the best. The sound is loud but feels like it is finished with soft damping. Lovely!

Ergonomics

The ergonomically shaped grips are made of custom-moulded polyurethane with an anti-static blend. This ensures a comfortable and firm grip even during long racing sessions. One drawback I experienced is that there is a line in the middle of the grips where the front and back of the grips are attached to each other. GRID Engineering confirmed that this line should wear off over time. In fairness, this took quite a long time with me and this line causes irritation when racing without gloves. When racing with sim racing gloves, I did not experience this inconvenience, but it is definitely something to take into account.

In terms of ergonomics, the 295mm wide steering wheel sits fantastically in the hand. The grips are very pleasant although my personal preference is for wider grips that fit the palm better, as is the case with the GSI Hyper P1 and F-Core, for example. Of course, this is subjective and different for everyone. So look mainly at your personal preference.

Large Quantity of Buttons

One of the most impressive aspects of the GRID MPX V2 is its extensive functionality. The steering wheel features 55 input options, including two 7-way funky switches. The switches, buttons and rotary encoders are strategically placed, making them easy to reach without taking your hands off the wheel. The steering wheel is equipped with nine ELMA custom encoders with push-button functionality, with five placed in the centre and two on each side of the steering wheel. What I love about the MPX V2 is that the four rotary encoders on the side thus also have push-button functionality. I find this super convenient! The five encoders in the centre each feature 11 RGB LEDs.

The eight push buttons on the front are nice and big, which I personally like. All push buttons are surrounded by rubber button guards. On the one hand, this feels nice, but on the other, it feels a bit cheap and I don't quite understand this design choice. I am not yet sure whether I am in favour of this choice. Disturbing it is not at all, but I personally would have preferred these to be made of a different material. As far as I am concerned, this would give the steering wheel a more luxurious and premium look.

On the back of the MPX V2 you will find two Otto P9 buttons that feel solid and respond quickly, which is essential during intense racing. I find these two Otto P9 buttons on the back a hugely valuable addition to this wheel. It's a functionality I unfortunately miss on many steering wheels anyway, like the Hyper P1 for example. The Pokornyi Engineering HYP-R also has these two buttons, but significantly smaller. On the MPX V2, they are quite large buttons that are also positioned at a slight angle, making them easy to use. So for me, this is a definite plus point!

Visual Spectacle

The GRID MPX V2 is a colourful and eye-catching steering wheel, making it a real eye-catcher in any cockpit. Alle LED’s hebben een prachtige helderheid en geeft de MPX V2 een warm en unieke uitstraling. De 87 RGB-LED’s kunnen afzonderlijk worden aangepast en zijn telemetrie-bestuurbaar. Dit houdt in dat je individuele LED’s kan toewijzen aan vlaggensituaties ,spotters op de baan en nog meer. Een leuke toevoeging, maar persoonlijk hou ik niet van al die knipperende features aangezien dit in een echte race auto ook niet is. Voor mij mag het gewoon lekker normaal zijn 😉

Race Director Software

You can use the GRID MPX V2 with both SimHub and GRID and Sim-Lab's own software: Race Director. This software is intuitive and user-friendly. My experience with this software is positive, as I have used it before with the Sim-Lab XB1 Handbrake, have used.

GRID and Sim-Lab's Race Director software is a powerful tool designed specifically to enhance the functionality of sim racing hardware from GRID and Sim-Lab products. The software has a user-friendly interface, allowing even users without extensive technical knowledge to easily adjust and optimise settings. The dashboard provides an overview of all important functions and settings, allowing users to quickly configure their setup or update it with the latest firmware.

GRID and Sim-Lab provide regular updates to the Race Director software to keep it up-to-date with the latest features and compatibility with various sim racing platforms. They also provide comprehensive support, including detailed manuals and responsive customer service, ensuring users always get the help they need.

One of the main functions of the software is the adjustment of the 87 RGB LEDs on the steering wheel. These LEDs can be individually adjusted to display different colours and effects, such as rotating, fading or flashing patterns. These customisation options are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offer practical benefits by providing visual feedback for specific telemetry data such as flags and pit-limiter warnings.

Het aanpassen van individuele LED’s gaat gemakkelijk en snel, helaas is het mij niet gelukt om de nieuwe gradient LED-profielen via Race Director te importeren of aan te passen. Jammer! Op dat vlak is de software te beperkt en biedt het weinig diepgang. Of dat erg is? Nee, niet echt. Want gelukkig kan je de MPX V2 ook volledig configureren en personaliseren in SimHub. En dat is en blijft toch de place-to-be.

Compatibility with SimHub

In the latest version of SimHub, it is easy to add the MPX steering wheel with just a few clicks. You can choose a simple or advanced installation. After adding the steering wheel in SimHub, everything works almost immediately. To use the LEDs and customise them if necessary, there are a number of default LED profiles available in SimHub. Unfortunately, you cannot load multiple profiles, and are bound to a maximum of 5 profiles.

GRID heeft ook een aangepast (gradient) LED-profiel beschikbaar op de productpagina van het MPX stuurwiel welke geschikt is voor popular racing games, such as Assetto Corsa Competizione and iRacing. These new gradient profiles are fantastic and, as mentioned earlier, provide a true visual spectacle. Unfortunately, I find adjusting these profiles very cumbersome. Too bad!

User experience

Ik heb de GRID MPX V2 nu een aantal weken intensief gebruikt. En om maar direct met de deur in huis te vallen; dit stuurwiel is op ieder vlak fantastisch! De MPX V2 is veruit m’n favoriete schermloze-stuurwiel. Je merkt dat er aandacht is voor ieder detail. De afwerking is subliem te noemen, evenals de bouwkwaliteit en ergonomie van het stuurwiel. Waar mijn voorkeur uitgaat naar dikkere handvaten, moet ik toch toevoegen dat het 295mm stuurwiel erg prettig in de hand ligt en dat de handvaten comfortabel zijn en verrassend veel grip bieden.

Ik ben erg te spreken over de bouwkwaliteit en het prachtige ontwerp. De GRID MPX V2 is een hoogwaardig en premium stuurwiel, waarbij enkel de beste materialen zijn gebruikt. Zijn er dan ook nadelen aan dit stuur? Eigenlijk niet. Of ja, wellicht twee héle kleine waar ik echt naar heb moeten zoeken. Zo vond ik in het begin de naad op de handvaten erg vervelend. Gelukkig slijt deze er na verloop van tijd af, maar voor een stuurwiel in deze prijsklasse vind ik dit wat slordig en zou dit absoluut voorkomen moeten worden. Een ander minpunt aan de GRID MPX V2 zijn de rubberen knoppenbeschermers. Deze vind ik er minder fraai – en goedkoop – uitzien. Jammer! Een aluminium bescherming had ik gezien de premium uitstraling van dit stuur beter gevonden.

A positive feature of this steering wheel is its relatively large buttons and encoders, making all buttons and functionalities easily accessible. I love the two Otto P9 buttons, as well as the four push-in encoders on the left and right inner side of the steering wheel. In terms of functionalities and amount of buttons and encoders, the GRID MPX V2 is perfectly balanced. The wheel exudes robustness, quality and comfort. Because it fits so comfortably in the hand, the wheel instantly gives you (self) confidence to go fast on the virtual track. Whereas the GSI Hyper P1, as an example, has an overkill of features, the MPX V2 exudes calmness and suppleness on every level.

De meegeleverde stickers zijn eveneens van goede kwaliteit en gemakkelijk aan te brengen. De MPX V2 is een waar lust voor het oog, mede door de grote hoeveelheid LED’s die je volledig naar wens kunt personaliseren. De verlichting is helder en geeft prachtige en warme kleuren. Ik vind het heerlijk om te spelen met de verlichting en zodoende het stuur een unieke look-and-feel te geven. Iedere race met dit stuur tovert een grote glimlach op m’n gezicht!

The pros and cons

It is time to take stock and list the pros and cons after several weeks of intensively putting the GRID MPX V2 through its paces.

Conclusion

My first experience with GRID Engineering has been extremely positive and well liked and I can't wait to test more products from GRID in the future. So after weeks of using the wheel intensively, I decided to buy this reviewen wheel and add it to my collection. It is an incredibly well-designed product and a great addition to my setup.

The GRID MPX V2 is an excellent choice for serious sim racers looking for precision, customisability, quality and durability. The combination of high-quality build materials, extensive configuration options and exceptional performance makes this steering wheel a worthwhile investment. With a score of 4,7 the GRID MPX V2 scores hugely in several areas. Whether you are a seasoned esports professional or just an enthusiastic beginner, the GRID MPX V2 steering wheel offers everything you need, making it a good and well-considered choice.

Of the now large number of sim racing wheels I have tested, the MPX stands out head and shoulders above the competition and I can only conclude that the GRID MPX V2 is one of the best sim racing wheels without an integrated display. The design is simplistic and therefore timeless, making this wheel a good and durable choice that you will enjoy for years to come.