The PXN VD4 is the newest and most affordable 4 Nm direct-drive sim racing bundle on the market, coming in at just $300 for a complete set that includes the wheelbase, steering wheel, and a metallic two-pedal set. Add in a 5% discount with code OCRACING, and you are getting one of the most aggressively priced direct-drive setups ever released. What is more surprising is that it is not just cheap, it is actually good.
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Designed exclusively for PC, the VD4 immediately stands out for what it offers at this price point. The included steering wheel measures 280 mm (11 inches) in diameter, wrapped in faux leather with perforated sides and smooth top and bottom sections. Red stitching, a red center stripe, and a color accent on the quick release make it look far more premium than most entry-level wheels.
In terms of functionality, you get two rotary knobs with push functions, a D-pad, and 15 additional buttons on the front. While the buttons feel basic and slightly squishy, the rotary knobs have a satisfying click. A small but useful improvement would have been blank buttons with a sticker sheet for user customization. Even so, the brushed aluminum faceplate and customizable LED lights on the top of the wheel add impressive polish for this price category.
Flip the wheel over and you will find a quick release system inspired by setups from Moza and Simagic. It feels firm, secure, and easy to use, making wheel swaps possible in seconds. Considering the modest torque output, it remains comfortably flex-free during use.
PXN also includes aluminum magnetic paddle shifters with an extra pair of clutch paddles underneath, something rarely seen at this price. While the magnets could be stronger for a sharper tactile feel, they are quiet and responsive. The clutch paddles are particularly impressive, offering enough resistance and travel for smooth control during launches.
Overall, the wheel feels comfortable to hold, ergonomic, and surprisingly premium for what is technically a budget product. There is some minimal flex on the outer rim, but nothing that affects the on-track experience.
The real highlight of the bundle is the VD4 wheelbase, which delivers consistent performance and solid design. Constructed with a metal body and textured plastic end caps, it has a compact footprint and an industrial look similar to entry-level Moza and Fanatec bases.
Inside, the low-inertia servo motor produces 4 Nm of continuous torque with peaks up to 5 Nm. PXN has also included a 24-bit high-precision encoder, which results in fast, accurate, and consistent feedback. An additional USB hub port for accessories is a clever inclusion that more established manufacturers should take note of.
The base uses four mounting inserts on the bottom rather than a table clamp (though one is sold separately), and it held up perfectly on my 6Sigma Sim Racing cockpit during testing.
In practice, the VD4’s performance is genuinely surprising. While the included PXN software is extremely basic and lacks fine-tuning options, once dialed in, the driving feel becomes clean and responsive. Road texture, curbs, and weight transfer all come through clearly enough for you to stay connected with the car.
Compared to higher-end units, the details are slightly muted but still more than enough for most users stepping into direct drive for the first time. The base handles slides and countersteers naturally, and latency feels minimal. Thermal performance is also solid, the motor stays warm but consistent during long sessions without losing strength or smoothness.
Torque-wise, the VD4 sits slightly below Fanatec’s 5 Nm CSL DD and Moza’s R5, but comfortably above the Moza R3, which has often been criticized for lacking strength. The VD4 finds a balanced middle ground, powerful enough to be immersive yet manageable and safe for long sessions.
The PXN VD4 is one of the most impressive surprises in sim racing this year. For $300, it delivers real direct-drive performance, strong build quality, and features rarely seen in its price class. Yes, there are compromises: the software is limited, the ecosystem small, and long-term firmware support remains uncertain.
However, what PXN has achieved here is a bundle that does not feel like a gimmick. It is usable, reliable, and most importantly, fun to drive. Compared purely on the driving experience, the VD4 even edges out the Moza R3 thanks to its stronger torque and refined motor feel.
PXN still has work to do in expanding its accessories and improving its software suite, but as a standalone product, the VD4 nails what matters most: delivering authentic direct-drive realism at a truly entry-level price.
For newcomers to sim racing or anyone looking for an affordable upgrade from a gear-driven setup, this is easily one of the best-value bundles you can buy right now.
