The steering wheel is one of the first things you see when you enter a car's cabin, and it's a part of the car that you constantly interface with during the driving experience. The best ones look great and feel even better, working in synergy with the car's themes and motifs to present a consistent message.
They worst ones -- well, they can suck the joy out of your time behind the wheel and blight your overall impression of the vehicle. An example of this is that notorious Camaro steering wheel from a couple years back, which was so poorly received that Chevy (wisely) saw fit to replace it in 2012 models.
The ten steering wheels listed below (in alphabetical order) are the ones that strike us as being the most memorable, in terms of both form and function.
1: Audi A4
Audi is known for its skill at designing stylish cabins, and the manufacturer also knows a thing or two about crafting a competent steering wheel. Take the A4; the wheel in this car is good-looking, but best of all, it's a pleasure to use -- like butter, it simply melts into your hands.
2: BMW M3
An iconic car like the M3 surely deserves an iconic steering wheel. Thick and meaty in all the right places, this wheel has a spare, no-nonsense charm about it, and it's a joy to hold.
3: Honda Civic Si
You don't have to be some fancy European high-dollar luxury model to offer up a solid steering wheel. Case in point: the Honda Civic Si. This wheel conveys competence through and through, and feels pleasantly substantial in your hands.
4: Lamborghini Aventador
One of the most impressive aspects of the Aventador is its steering wheel. It functions with supreme skill, perfectly complementing this high-performance machine. And with its bold, masculine design, it's no slacker in the form department, either.
5: Mazda Miata
The Miata's wheel is every bit as frisky and accommodating as the much-loved roadster in which it resides. It's easy to use and there's a lightness to its design that mirrors the playful, fun-filled spirit of the Miata itself.
6: McLaren MP4-12C
If any car deserves a racing-inspired steering wheel, it's the McLaren MP4-12C. This exotic beast runs hard and fast and its wheel is a gorgeous and efficient reminder of its incredible performance potential.
7: Mercedes Benz CLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz is another manufacturer that knows how to craft a good steering wheel and the wheel found in the CLS-Class is a perfect example. The wheel feels stout and solid, and is a pleasure to grip.
8: Mini Cooper
The Mini may be frivolous and cutesy in places but get it on the road and it becomes clear that underneath it all is a little car that's loads of fun to drive. Its fleshy, perfectly sized steering wheel reflects this more serious side of the Cooper.
9: Volkswagen GTI
Okay, so this one is admittedly polarizing -- some of our editors love the design, while others assert that a flat-bottomed steering wheel is a poor match for any vehicle meant to navigate the tight turns of city life. What do you think?
10: Volvo S60
It would be quite a letdown if the S60's steering wheel weren't as exquisitely functional and architecturally Scandinavian as the rest of the cabin. Luckily, the wheel doesn't disappoint; it's supremely user-friendly, and its wide face and graphic lines are a perfect match for the car's striking interior.
Which steering wheels do you like holding onto?
bimmerjay says:
06:06 PM, 10/16/11
I'm surprised the Corvette's wheel didn't make the list.
ddark13 says:
06:27 PM, 10/16/11
i went from a b7 a4 to b8 a4 and something about the leather on the new a4 is substandard. i remember thinking how the b7s wheel belonged in an a8 while the new wheel is just ok.
im surprised the ferrari 458 italia's wheel didn't make it on the list considering its unique
theace415 says:
06:30 PM, 10/16/11
Hey you forgot my favorite the 2011 Mustang gt wheel or the boss 302 or shelby gt500
church123 says:
07:31 PM, 10/16/11
I really like the Porsche GT3 wheel, and the Alcantara upholstered optional wheel on the CTS-V.
I take we're only comparing current models here too? Cause I'm not a big fan of the Civic Si's wheel I think Honda has definitely done better in the past.
As for the GTI - flat bottom wheels are cool, but only on cars that have less than 2 turns lock-to-lock of steering. The GTI, which I believe is around 3 turns, just requires you to handle that flat spot a little too often in the real world. Let's not forget why race cars have flat bottom steering wheels in the first place.
ne1butu2 says:
07:00 AM, 10/17/11
The GTI wheel is my favorite. I don't like the wheel in the civic. The padded center looks like it's off of a bumper car.
ed124c says:
07:09 AM, 10/17/11
I have owned many cars over the past 50 years or so, but I can't say that I have ever spent even a second thinking about how good or bad the steering wheel was. So, I really don't understand the reason for this post.
However, I have spent quite a bit of thought about the steering wheel on my nephew's 2010 Camaro. Apparently there was no thought about ergonomics when they designed it.
brian_k says:
07:21 AM, 10/17/11
Surprisingly I don't like either the Lamborghini or McLaren. I like te M3, Audi, and GTI best. Not a fan of metal/metal-like accents on steering wheel. There should definitely be an alcantara wheel from a 911. Andthere should be a wood accented wheel represented (Bentley or something).
As for comment re: unimportance of wheels, I can't disagree more. It is really amazing what a nice leather wrapped wheel can do for the overall look and feel of a car. A lot of small European brands that we would consider econoboxes are so much nicer with a leather wheel and shifter. Considering you touch te wheel and shifter the most in a car, it is money well spent.
leftnose says:
07:29 AM, 10/17/11
The CLS wheel is too big. Looks like it belongs on a ship. It's surprising that 9/10 of the wheels are three-spoke.
Me, while also a three spoke wheel, I'd vote for the Turbo S. Even though it is missing the alcantara from the GT3 (which is really, really nice), the metal accents give it the edge.
evil_dentist says:
09:06 AM, 10/17/11
R8 for me.
bodyblue says:
10:36 AM, 10/17/11
I prefer the old "Tuff" wheel from 70's MOPARS....much better than any of these above.
throwback says:
10:36 AM, 10/17/11
Obviously you mean modern steering wheels, as I love the old thin wood rim wheels of Jags and Astons. As for modern cars I love the wheel in the Lexus LFA. It lookslike they put a version (non flat bottom) in the new GS. Also, no Ferrari wheel with the manettino?
ocramidajzj says:
10:40 AM, 10/17/11
GTI and Nissan Maxima for me. I also agree with BMW and the Miata. Funny thing the one thing I wish my 2010 Mazda6 sGT had was a nicer-looking steering wheel. Although it has good feel and a good sized rim, it's not much to look at. The 2011 version is better but not as good as some other "sports" sedans like the Maxima. IMO
bodyblue says:
10:43 AM, 10/17/11
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=tuff+wheel
ocramidajzj says:
10:45 AM, 10/17/11
Oh and I preferred the style and feel of the previous Audi wheel. Like my Mazda the new Audi wheel is too conservative and not all that sporty looking. The new A7's wheel is a step back in the right direction.
stovt001 says:
12:35 PM, 10/17/11
The GTI's wheel is the only flat-bottomed design that I've experienced that actually works well in the real world. It is my favorite, even above my Miata's, which made the list.
latraffic says:
03:00 PM, 10/17/11
My MGM (Mercury Grand Marquis) has the softest and best designed steering wheel out there... leather is grippy and buttons control the radio!
fiatroland says:
07:08 PM, 10/17/11
Google the old citroen DS steering wheel, you can't beat that.
fiatroland says:
07:13 PM, 10/17/11
oh and follow me on Twitter @ATX_FIAT_ROLAND
musicmotorman says:
11:12 PM, 10/17/11
I think all of these steering wheels are great, excepting the Honda wheel. Looks dorky and cheap!
12rings says:
10:46 AM, 10/18/11
Surprised the Corvette wheel didn't make it? In that case why not the Cobalt's, since they are one in the same.
bimmerjay says:
10:22 PM, 10/18/11
12rings, that was a joke.
However if we're just talking "memorable" as the blog title suggests perhaps it does deserve a mention.
rayzor says:
08:33 AM, 10/20/11
Oh, come on, now! The Mazda MX-5 steering wheel!?! I owned a 2007 MX-5 (same steering wheel as shown above), and the steering wheel was a major disappointment of the whole convertible car (followed by the soundless Bose stereo crap). The rim was too thin in my hands, the over all diameter was too big for the little convertible. No special finger grooves or notches, the leather feels like plastic, etc. I love my MX5 but that steering wheel gets to me every time I got behind it. It should be on "the other" list instead!!!
mbukukanyau says:
10:33 AM, 10/20/11
Not a true list
jmaroun says:
10:37 AM, 10/20/11
I beg to differ on having the M3 wheel on this list. Every time I test drove it, I found the wheel too thick, and feel too light/numb. You can't make a u-turn or manuever in a parking lot with one hand despite it being so light (because it's so thick), and yet, you can't get enough confidence with two hands at higher speeds down a narrow slightly curvy road due to its lack of feel on straight.
I'm surprised that the Lotus steering wheels aren't on this list (especially the Evora's). Also surprised not t see Ferrari's wheel on this list.
thekingpin says:
05:38 PM, 10/20/11
Bentley GT Speed steering wheel is awesome
http://images.thecarconnection.com/lrg/2010-bentley-continental-gt-2-door-coupe-speed-steering-wheel_100257820_l.jpg
adityab says:
12:48 PM, 10/21/11
the steering wheel on the sport-packaged equipped 3-series. hefty, small diameter, and beautifully contoured.
rsxs says:
06:13 AM, 10/22/11
2003 Acura RSX type S
zr1man says:
11:16 PM, 10/22/11
I am also surprised the Corvette steering wheel don't male the list. I think it's the best of all listed.
ducatimechanic says:
10:04 AM, 10/24/11
Currently own an Audi S5, have previously owned a BMW with the same steering wheel as the M3 (2004 330i ZHP), and had a Civic Si.
Looking at the list, I have to agree with their placement as 1,2,3 (I've driven a bunch of other cars; how anyone could think a Corvette steering wheel would even place is beyond me).
The Audi wheel is sized just about perfect, especially once you get the seat set right so you can push back and hold yourself steady in really tight curves (my kingdom for a 5-point seat / harness). The four spokes give me a little better wheel stiffness than I noticed with my BMW or Honda, but I'm also in a car that can be pushed quite a bit more before you even consider any of the four wheels breaking loose (and thus requiring you to - with the BMW - go lock to lock to keep the vehicle pointed in the right direction while you steer with the throttle - or with the Honda - aim the car and work to keep the ends from changing ownership).
I'm a bit surprised about the Volvo; I would have thought the STI wheel would have come in at the bottom...
widgetaviator says:
07:08 PM, 10/25/11
A good steering wheel truly improves a car, but what about all the ones that aren't in the right place. As in they are shifted to the right or left relative to the seat/instruments, and the ones that are not paralled to the drivers shoulders usually causing your left hand to have to reach further than your right. When everything doesn't line up it drives me nuts and tends to overshadow how great the rest of the car might be. Mercedes' are usually really bad in this regard, as is the new Camaro, the otherwise awesome 3-series BMW, and many others.
widgetaviator says:
07:09 PM, 10/25/11
A good steering wheel truly improves a car, but what about all the ones that aren't in the right place. As in they are shifted to the right or left relative to the seat/instruments, and the ones that are not paralled to the drivers shoulders usually causing your left hand to have to reach further than your right. When everything doesn't line up it drives me nuts and tends to overshadow how great the rest of the car might be. Mercedes' are usually really bad in this regard, as is the new Camaro, the otherwise awesome 3-series BMW, and many others.