What Type of Battery Is in a 2010 Audi A4?

The 2010 Audi A4 typically uses a 12‑volt absorbed glass mat (AGM) lead‑acid battery, Group 48 (H6) or Group 94R (H7), with around 70–95 Ah capacity and 680–800+ CCA, depending on engine and equipment. In most markets and trims, an AGM battery is recommended or required because of the vehicle’s advanced electrical and start‑stop style systems, though some basic trims may have been delivered with a conventional flooded lead‑acid battery if not equipped with high electrical loads.

Understanding the 2010 Audi A4’s Battery Specification

The 2010 Audi A4 (B8 generation) relies on a 12‑volt starter battery located in the trunk, on the right side under the floor covering. The car’s electronics and charging system are tuned to a specific battery size and chemistry, which is why getting the correct type and rating is important for reliability and avoiding electrical fault codes.

Typical Factory Battery Types

Audi fitted different battery variants depending on engine (2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI, 2.0 TDI, etc.), region, and options (such as high‑power audio or extensive comfort electronics). However, a clear pattern emerges in the original equipment.

The following list outlines the most common battery technologies originally used or recommended for the 2010 Audi A4.

• AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) 12 V battery – Most common factory choice for higher‑spec or diesel models; designed for higher cycle stability and modern electrical loads.
• Enhanced flooded lead‑acid (EFB) battery – Sometimes used in vehicles with elevated electrical demand but not as demanding as full start‑stop systems; less common than AGM in this model year.
• Conventional flooded lead‑acid battery – Found in some base petrol trims in certain markets where loads and features are lighter; often replaced with AGM when upgrading.

In practice, many owners and workshops use AGM batteries as the default replacement for 2010 Audi A4 models, since they handle heavy accessory use, short trips, and cold starts better than basic flooded units.

Common Size: Group 48 (H6) and Group 94R (H7)

Beyond chemistry, the physical size and rating must match. Audi and most aftermarket catalogs typically specify European DIN/EN sizes and their North American equivalents.

The list below summarizes the battery sizes and rating ranges most often specified for the 2010 Audi A4.

• Group 48 (H6) – Common for many 2.0 TFSI petrol models:
  

  • Capacity: ≈ 70–80 Ah
  • Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): ≈ 680–760 A (EN/SAE, depending on brand)
  • AGM strongly recommended for vehicles with heavier electrical usage.

• Group 94R (H7) – Often used for 2.0 TDI diesels and higher‑spec petrol models:
  

  • Capacity: ≈ 80–95 Ah
  • CCA: ≈ 730–850 A
  • Standard fit on many cars with more equipment or in colder climates.

Both Group 48 (H6) and Group 94R (H7) batteries share the reversed terminal layout Audi requires, but the H7 is slightly larger and generally provides higher capacity and cranking power.

Why AGM Is Typically Recommended

The 2010 Audi A4 uses an energy management system that monitors battery condition and adjusts charging. Even where early B8 cars didn’t feature full automatic start‑stop on all trims, the electrical system is designed around high intermittent loads from features such as electric power steering assist, heated seats, infotainment systems, and climate control blowers.

Advantages of AGM for a 2010 Audi A4

AGM batteries are well‑suited to the demands of a modern premium sedan like the A4, which may spend much of its life in city traffic with frequent starts and short trips.

The following points explain why AGM has become the de facto choice for replacement batteries in this model.

• Higher cycle life – Better tolerance for repeated partial discharges and recharges, which are common in short‑trip, accessory‑heavy driving.
• Improved cold‑start performance – Higher cranking capability in low temperatures, important for diesel engines and cold climates.
• Spill‑proof design – Electrolyte is held in glass mat separators, making the battery more resistant to leakage, vibration, and trunk mounting positions.
• Better support for onboard electronics – More stable voltage under load, which helps sensitive systems such as ECU, ABS, and infotainment.

While AGM batteries are more expensive to buy, their durability and compatibility with the A4’s charging and energy management system usually make them more cost‑effective in the long run.

How to Identify the Correct Battery for Your Specific A4

Although the general guidance is clear—AGM, Group 48 or 94R, around 70–95 Ah—the exact specification can vary by engine and equipment. Checking what your car has now and what Audi originally specified is the safest path.

Where to Find Battery Information on the Car

Your current battery and the car’s documentation carry several clues that help determine the correct replacement.

The following locations and details are key when verifying your battery specification.

• Existing battery label in the trunk – Lists:
  

  • Capacity (Ah)
  • Cold‑cranking rating (A, often EN or SAE)
  • Type (AGM or flooded)
  • Part number or manufacturer code

• Owner’s manual – Contains a section on “Battery” or “Vehicle data” with recommended battery capacity and specifications.
• Service booklet or dealer records – May show previous battery replacements, including part numbers.
• Under‑trunk label / data sticker (PR codes) – Lists option codes that a dealer or parts site can decode to exact battery spec.

Cross‑checking these details with a reputable parts catalog (using your VIN) ensures you match not only the size but also the performance and chemistry of the original battery.

Battery Registration and Coding in the 2010 Audi A4

On the B8 A4, the battery is monitored by the energy management system via a battery control module. When you install a new battery—especially if you change capacity, type, or brand—it’s best practice to update the system through diagnostic coding.

Why Coding the New Battery Matters

If the control module thinks the old, worn battery is still installed, it may charge the new battery incorrectly, reducing its service life or causing warnings on the dashboard.

The following points describe why coding or registering the new battery is advisable in this car.

• Optimized charging strategy – The alternator output and charging curve are adjusted based on battery age, capacity, and type.
• Accurate state‑of‑charge readings – Helps the car correctly judge when to shed electrical loads or warn the driver.
• Avoidance of spurious error messages – Reduces the likelihood of “Battery discharge” or “Energy management” warnings after replacement.
• Longevity of the new battery – Correct coding reduces over‑ or under‑charging, both of which shorten battery life.

Coding typically requires a diagnostic tool such as VCDS, ODIS, or a compatible scan device; many independent workshops familiar with VAG vehicles can perform this quickly.

Key Specs to Look for When Buying a Replacement

When purchasing a new battery for a 2010 Audi A4, focusing on a few core specifications ensures you get a compatible and reliable unit.

Minimum Recommended Specifications

While exact requirements can vary slightly, sticking to or exceeding the original specifications is the safest approach.

The following checklist summarizes what you should look for on the product label or listing.

• Chemistry: AGM (preferred) or at least an OEM‑equivalent high‑quality flooded/EFB if matching the original type.
• Voltage: 12 V (standard automotive system).
• Group size: H6 (Group 48) or H7 (Group 94R), depending on original fitment—check your existing battery or VIN‑based catalog.
• Capacity (Ah): ≈ 70–95 Ah; never go significantly below the factory rating.
• CCA rating: Typically 680–850 A or higher, especially important for diesel engines and colder regions.
• Terminal layout: Reversed (positive on the right when terminals face you), matching OEM layout.
• Vent provision: Must support vent tubing for trunk‑mounted applications to safely route gases outside the cabin.

Matching or slightly exceeding the factory capacity and CCA is generally beneficial; going too small can cause hard starting, and going dramatically larger without coding may confuse the car’s energy management.

Summary

The 2010 Audi A4 is designed to run on a 12‑volt lead‑acid battery, most commonly an AGM type, in Group 48 (H6) or Group 94R (H7) with around 70–95 Ah capacity and 680–850 A CCA, depending on engine and equipment. While some basic trims may have left the factory with a conventional flooded battery, AGM is now widely recommended because it better supports the A4’s sophisticated electrical system and trunk‑mount layout. To ensure compatibility and reliability, owners should confirm their current battery’s size and rating, consult the owner’s manual or VIN‑based parts catalog, and have the new battery coded or registered in the car’s energy management system after installation.