Audi A4 2016 Battery Size: What Drivers Need to Know

The 2016 Audi A4 typically uses a 12‑volt absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery in the Group 48/H6 size class, with a capacity around 70–80 Ah and a cold cranking amps (CCA) rating in the 680–800 CCA range, depending on trim and market. In practice, most replacement guides and parts catalogs list an H6 (also known as L3 or Group 48) AGM battery as the correct fit, though owners should always confirm with the vehicle’s build data sticker or current battery label.

Understanding the 2016 Audi A4 Battery Specifications

The 2016 Audi A4 sits at a point in the model’s evolution where electrical demand had already grown substantially: advanced infotainment, electronic driver aids and, in many markets, start‑stop systems place greater loads on the 12‑volt system. As a result, Audi specifies a relatively robust AGM battery that can tolerate frequent cycling and high loads, while fitting into a standardized size category used across much of the Volkswagen Group.

Typical Battery Size and Type

For most 2016 Audi A4 configurations, the battery falls into a very specific and widely available category, both in the U.S. and in Europe, though naming conventions differ slightly between standards.

The list below outlines the most common size and format used in the 2016 Audi A4 across major markets.

• Physical size class: H6 / L3 / Group 48 (different names for essentially the same footprint)
• Battery type: AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), maintenance‑free
• Nominal voltage: 12 V
• Typical capacity: approximately 70–80 Ah
• Typical cold cranking amps (CCA): about 680–800 CCA, depending on brand and exact spec
• Polarity/layout: standard European layout with terminals on the top, positive typically on the right (check your existing battery to confirm)

Together, these characteristics mean that while brand and exact ratings can vary, replacement batteries labeled as H6/Group 48 AGM with similar capacity and CCA will normally be suitable for a 2016 Audi A4, provided they match the physical dimensions and terminal layout.

Why AGM Is Usually Required

In many 2016 Audi A4 vehicles—especially those equipped with start‑stop—AGM technology is specified instead of older flooded lead‑acid designs. AGM batteries are sealed and use fiberglass mats to hold the electrolyte, which improves vibration resistance, allows deeper cycling, and provides more consistent performance under the frequent start cycles demanded by modern systems. Audi’s charging strategy is calibrated for this chemistry, which is why matching the type is as important as matching the size.

Variations by Trim, Options, and Market

While H6/Group 48 AGM is the default for most 2016 A4s, there are nuances tied to engine choice, equipment, and regional specifications. These do not radically alter the physical size, but they can influence capacity and CCA ratings and occasionally the exact part number Audi installed from the factory.

Engine and Equipment Differences

Certain combinations of engine and electrical equipment may have slightly higher or lower capacity batteries, but they usually remain within the same physical H6/Group 48 envelope.

The overview below describes how different setups in the 2016 Audi A4 are likely to affect the battery’s specifications.

• 2.0 TFSI (common in North America): Usually fitted with an H6/Group 48 AGM battery around 70–75 Ah, roughly 680–760 CCA.
• 2.0 TDI and other diesel variants (common in Europe): Often use similar H6/Group 48 AGM batteries, sometimes at the higher end of the capacity range (up to about 80 Ah) to support stronger cold‑start demands.
• Vehicles with start‑stop systems: Typically require AGM; capacity tends to skew towards the upper end of the 70–80 Ah range with robust CCA ratings.
• High‑equipment models (more electronics, heated seats, advanced audio): May use slightly higher‑spec AGM batteries within the same physical size to support greater electrical load.

These variations do not usually change the physical Group 48/H6 footprint, which simplifies finding a replacement, but they underline the importance of checking the original battery label and vehicle documentation for precise ratings.

European vs. North American Labeling

Another possible source of confusion is the different labeling systems used for batteries. In North America, the Battery Council International (BCI) uses “Group” numbers, while European systems use designations like H6, L3, or DIN numbers.

The following points summarize how the 2016 Audi A4 battery size is typically labeled in different markets.

• North America: Commonly listed as BCI Group 48.
• Europe and many global markets: Commonly labeled as H6 or L3 format.
• Audi/VW internal part numbers: Will be specific OEM numbers (e.g., starting with “8K0” or similar), which map to Group 48/H6 in the aftermarket catalogs.
• DIN/EN ratings: Capacity shown in Ah; cold performance sometimes expressed as EN CCA, which may look slightly different numerically from SAE CCA, but sits in the same performance band.

Recognizing these naming conventions helps owners and technicians confirm that a replacement battery is physically compatible even when the code system differs from the original market specification.

How to Confirm the Correct Battery for Your Specific Car

Despite general guidelines, the best practice is to verify the battery requirements for the unique build of your 2016 Audi A4. Audi uses build data codes and model‑specific documentation that capture minor variations not always obvious from model year alone.

Where to Check on the Vehicle

Several on‑car references can help confirm the correct battery size and specification, especially if the original battery is still in place or you have access to the factory paperwork.

The points below outline the most reliable places to look.

• Existing battery label: Check the current battery for markings such as “H6,” “L3,” or “48,” as well as voltage (12 V), capacity (e.g., 72 Ah), and CCA (e.g., 720 A EN or CCA).
• Vehicle service booklet or owner’s manual: Often lists battery specifications or at least the type (AGM vs. flooded) and approximate capacity.
• Trunk or spare‑wheel well (build data sticker): In some Audi models, a PR‑code sticker lists factory‑installed equipment, including battery options, which a dealer can decode.
• Dealer or official parts catalog: Using your VIN, a dealer can look up the exact battery type and capacity Audi specified for your car when new.

Using these references ensures that any replacement battery is matched not only by physical size but also by the performance profile Audi’s electrical system expects.

Replacing the Battery in a 2016 Audi A4

Beyond size and capacity, there are practical considerations when changing the battery on a modern Audi, including the need to “register” the new battery with the vehicle’s control modules in many cases.

Key Considerations for Replacement

Swapping a battery in a 2016 Audi A4 is not as simple as just dropping in any 12‑volt unit that fits. The electrical management system is tuned for certain characteristics and may need to be informed when a new battery is installed.

The following list highlights the main points owners or technicians should keep in mind.

1. Match the type: If the original battery is AGM, replacement should also be AGM; mixing types can lead to incorrect charging and reduced battery life.
2. Match or slightly exceed ratings: Choose a battery with similar or higher Ah and CCA, staying within Audi’s recommended range to avoid charging issues.
3. Observe physical fit: Confirm height, length, and width match Group 48/H6 dimensions so the battery fits the tray and clamp correctly.
4. Terminal orientation: Verify positive and negative terminals match the layout of the old battery to avoid cable reach or polarity problems.
5. Battery coding/registration: On many 2016 A4s, the new battery should be registered via diagnostic software (e.g., VCDS or dealer tools) so the charging system knows a fresh battery has been installed.
6. Maintain power if needed: Using a memory saver or backup power supply can preserve settings during replacement, though professional tools and procedures are recommended.

Following these steps helps ensure not only that the car starts reliably but also that the new battery lasts its intended lifetime under Audi’s computer‑controlled charging regime.

Summary

The 2016 Audi A4 is generally equipped with a 12‑volt AGM battery in the H6/L3/Group 48 size, offering around 70–80 Ah of capacity and roughly 680–800 CCA, depending on engine, trim, and market. While these figures cover the vast majority of cars, owners are best served by verifying the existing battery label, consulting the owner’s manual or build data, or having an Audi dealer check the VIN for the exact specification. Matching the physical size, AGM technology, and performance ratings—and properly registering the new battery with the vehicle’s electronics—ensures reliable starting and optimal operation of the A4’s increasingly power‑hungry electrical systems.