Where the Battery Is Located in the Audi Q5

The main 12‑volt battery in most Audi Q5 models is located in the cargo area under the trunk floor, not in the engine bay; however, some earlier Q5s with conventional powertrains may place the 12‑volt battery in the engine compartment, and hybrids/plug‑in hybrids also have separate high‑voltage battery packs mounted under the vehicle floor.

Understanding the Audi Q5’s Battery Layout

The question of where the battery sits in an Audi Q5 is more complex than it seems, because Audi has used different layouts across model years, powertrains, and regional variants. For most recent Q5s, particularly from the second generation onward and many late first‑generation facelifts, the 12‑volt battery is positioned in the rear cargo area beneath the luggage floor. Plug‑in hybrid (TFSI e) versions add a high‑voltage battery mounted low in the vehicle, typically under the rear seats or cargo floor, which is not user‑serviceable.

Battery Location by Generation and Powertrain

First-Generation Audi Q5 (Typ 8R, 2008–2017)

The first-generation Q5, sold in various markets from around 2008/2009 up to 2017, used different battery locations depending on engine and equipment. Many owners expect to find the battery under the hood, and in some early petrol or diesel variants that is correct. But later years and certain trims moved the battery to the rear to improve weight distribution, complicating assumptions for used buyers and DIY mechanics.

The following list outlines the typical battery locations for common first‑generation Q5 configurations. Always check your specific vehicle label or owner’s manual for confirmation, as regional differences can apply.

• Early 8R models (approx. 2009–2012, some 2.0 TFSI / 2.0 TDI / 3.2 FSI): 12‑volt battery often located in the engine bay, on the right-hand side (passenger side in left‑hand‑drive markets), beneath a plastic cover near the firewall.
• Later 8R facelift models (approx. 2013–2017, many 3.0 TDI / 3.0 TFSI / higher‑spec trims): 12‑volt battery commonly moved to the rear cargo area, under the trunk floor panel, close to the spare wheel or tire repair kit.
• Stop‑start equipped models: More likely to have the 12‑volt battery in the trunk, paired with an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery and additional power management electronics.
• Auxiliary / smaller batteries: Some trim levels may use an additional battery or capacitor module, usually mounted near the main battery either in the engine bay or cargo area to support start‑stop and comfort systems.

These patterns mean that, on older Q5s, the battery may not be where many drivers expect. Verifying whether you have pre‑ or post‑facelift and whether your vehicle is fitted with start‑stop technology is key to predicting battery location.

Second-Generation Audi Q5 (Typ FY, 2017–Present)

The second-generation Q5, introduced for the 2017 model year in most markets, is more consistent in its packaging. Audi shifted even more components rearward and lower in the chassis for better balance and crash performance. As a result, the 12‑volt battery is typically housed in the luggage compartment rather than under the hood.

The following list summarizes the usual battery locations on the current Q5 and SQ5 range, including mild hybrids and plug‑in hybrids.

• Standard petrol and diesel Q5 (2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI, etc.): 12‑volt battery generally located in the trunk, beneath the rear load floor panel, near or integrated with the spare wheel well or foam storage insert.
• SQ5 performance variants: Follow the same layout, with the main 12‑volt battery under the luggage floor, accessed by lifting the cargo-area cover.
• Mild-hybrid (MHEV) models: Use a 12‑volt battery in the trunk area plus an additional 48‑volt system (with its own battery pack), typically mounted under the rear seat area or underbody. The 48‑volt battery is not designed for routine owner servicing.
• Q5 TFSI e plug‑in hybrid (PHEV): Retains a standard 12‑volt battery in the rear cargo zone while also housing a large high‑voltage lithium‑ion battery pack under the rear seats and/or trunk floor, which reduces cargo volume slightly and must only be serviced by trained high‑voltage technicians.

This layout makes the trunk area the first place to look in modern Q5s. The engine bay may still contain jump-start points, but the physical battery is usually hidden in the rear, supporting Audi’s focus on improved handling and crash safety.

How to Access the 12‑Volt Battery in an Audi Q5

Accessing a Trunk-Mounted Battery

For most second-generation Q5s and many late first‑generation models, accessing the battery means working in the rear cargo area. Owners frequently encounter confusion because the engine bay appears to lack a conventional battery, with only plastic covers and fuse boxes visible.

The following steps describe the general method to access a trunk‑mounted 12‑volt battery on a Q5. Exact details can differ slightly between models and years, so consult your owner’s manual as well.

1. Open the tailgate: Raise the rear hatch fully to expose the cargo area.
2. Remove or fold back the cargo cover: If fitted, slide or lift out the retractable load cover to create working space.
3. Lift the trunk floor panel: Grip the handle or recessed pull in the floor and raise the panel. Some models have gas struts or straps to hold it open.
4. Locate the battery compartment: You will usually see a spare wheel or foam storage tray. The battery sits either within this tray or under a dedicated plastic cover on one side of the well.
5. Remove any covers or trim: Take out the foam tool tray or unscrew clips on the plastic battery shroud to expose the terminals and casing.
6. Check for sensors and management modules: Many Q5s have a battery energy management sensor on the negative terminal; handle wiring and connectors carefully.

Once the battery is visible, you can inspect it or connect a charger or maintainer according to Audi’s recommendations. Because of the vehicle’s electronic systems, professional procedures (including battery registration with diagnostic tools) may be needed after replacement.

Accessing an Engine-Bay Battery (Earlier Q5 Models)

On older first-generation Q5s where the battery remains in the engine bay, access is more traditional but can be complicated by plastic covers and tight packaging around the bulkhead. Many owners mistakenly assume the battery has been relocated when it is simply hidden under trim elements.

The list below outlines a general approach to finding and exposing the battery in the engine compartment of early Q5s.

1. Open the hood: Pull the interior release lever, then operate the secondary latch at the grille and raise the hood fully.
2. Identify the plastic engine-bay covers: Look near the base of the windshield, typically on the passenger side in left‑hand‑drive markets, for a large plastic cowl or cover.
3. Remove the cowl or cover: Undo plastic clips or screws and gently lift away the cover. Take care not to break aged fasteners.
4. Locate the battery housing: The 12‑volt battery is usually set into a recessed tray close to the firewall, with a securing bracket at the base and exposed positive and negative terminals.
5. Assess clearance and tools: In some configurations, additional trim or components must be loosened to slide the battery out due to limited space.

Because of the tight fit and potential for damaging adjacent components, owners who are not experienced with engine-bay work often choose to have a workshop handle removal and replacement, even when the battery is physically accessible.

Jump-Starting and Charging: Using the Correct Points

Why You May Not Need Direct Access to the Battery

Even when the battery is hidden in the trunk, Audi typically provides designated jump-start terminals under the hood. These are provided so that roadside assistance or owners can safely connect booster cables without dismantling interior trim or unloading the cargo area. Using the specified points also helps protect sensitive electronics by ensuring correct grounding paths.

The list below describes the typical jump-start setup on many Q5s, though exact locations can vary by year and engine.

1. Positive terminal under the hood: A red‑capped or clearly marked post in the engine bay, often near the fuse box or on a dedicated block, serves as the positive connection for jump leads.
2. Negative/ground point: Instead of the battery’s negative terminal, Audi designates a solid metal ground point (such as a stud or bracket) under the hood to reduce the risk of sparks in confined spaces.
3. Owner’s manual guidance: The manual usually provides a diagram showing the exact points; using them is recommended over accessing the battery directly, especially on trunk‑mounted or hybrid models.
4. Charging via jump posts: Many smart chargers can be connected at these same points, as long as they are compatible with AGM or EFB batteries where fitted.

This arrangement means drivers do not necessarily need to expose or work directly on the 12‑volt battery for routine boosting or low‑current charging, though physical access is still required for full replacement.

High-Voltage Batteries in Q5 Plug-In Hybrids

Location and Safety Considerations

The Q5 TFSI e plug‑in hybrid models add a high‑voltage lithium‑ion battery pack to power the electric motor and provide all‑electric driving capability. This battery is distinct from the 12‑volt battery and is not something an owner should attempt to access or service. It is heavily protected, integrated into the vehicle’s crash structure, and connected to orange high‑voltage cabling.

The main characteristics of the high‑voltage battery in Q5 plug‑in hybrid variants are outlined below.

• Location: Typically installed under the rear seats and extending partly under the rear floor or cargo area, helping to keep weight low and central.
• Enclosure: Contained in a sealed metal housing, with multiple safety interlocks, cooling circuits, and crash protection features.
• Access: Designed only for trained high‑voltage technicians with specialized tools and protective equipment; not part of regular owner maintenance.
• Identification: Orange‑colored cables and high‑voltage labels throughout the car clearly mark components connected to this system.

Because of the energy stored and the complexity of the high‑voltage system, any issues such as warnings, leaks, or damage involving the hybrid battery must be handled by an authorized Audi service center or qualified EV/hybrid specialist.

How to Confirm Your Q5’s Actual Battery Location

Practical Ways to Be Certain

Given the variation between model years and powertrains, the most reliable way to identify your specific battery location is to reference your vehicle’s documentation and visual inspection points. Relying on online anecdotes without matching them to your exact model year can lead to confusion and wasted effort.

The following approaches can help you pinpoint where the battery is placed in your own Audi Q5.

• Check the owner’s manual: Look under sections labeled “Battery,” “Jump-starting,” or “Fuses and batteries” for diagrams showing trunk versus engine-bay locations.
• Lift the trunk floor panel: In most second-generation and many late first‑generation Q5s, a quick inspection under the luggage compartment floor will immediately reveal whether the battery is stored there.
• Look for engine-bay covers: On earlier Q5s, remove the plastic cowl or side covers near the windshield to see if the battery sits in a recessed compartment.
• Identify hybrid badges or charging flap: If your Q5 has an external charging port and “TFSI e” or plug‑in hybrid badging, expect both a rear‑mounted 12‑volt battery and a hidden high‑voltage pack under the rear section.
• Use VIN-based information: A dealership or specialist can use your VIN to pull exact configuration data, including battery type and location.

By combining documentation, physical checks, and model‑specific information, most owners can determine their Q5’s battery layout quickly and avoid unnecessary disassembly or incorrect assumptions.

Summary

In most modern Audi Q5 models—especially the second-generation FY (2017–present) and many late first‑generation 8R facelifts—the main 12‑volt battery is located in the rear cargo area under the trunk floor, often beside or beneath the spare wheel or tool tray. Some earlier first‑generation Q5s, particularly non‑facelift models, retain the battery in the engine bay beneath plastic covers near the firewall. Plug‑in hybrid Q5 TFSI e variants add a separate high‑voltage battery pack under the rear seats or floor that is not user‑serviceable. Owners can confirm their specific layout by consulting the owner’s manual, lifting the trunk floor, or inspecting engine‑bay covers, and should use the designated under‑hood jump‑start points for boosting or charging whenever possible.

Where is the battery located on an Audi?

The Audi battery is typically located in the trunk, underneath the spare tire, for most models made since approximately 2008. You will need to lift the trunk floor mat, remove the spare tire and any surrounding plastic covers to access the battery and its hold-down bracket. For older models (B4, B5, B6, B7), the battery is often in the engine bay, near the driver’s side door under a plastic cover.
 
This video shows the location of the battery in the trunk of an Audi A4: 42sIrixGuy’s Adventure ChannelYouTube · Dec 2, 2021
Newer Audi models (2008 and up)

• Open the trunk and lift the carpet or floor mat to access the spare tire area. 
• Undo the central spindle nut and lift out the spare tire. 
• Remove any plastic covers or tool trays that are in the way. 
• The battery is located in the well underneath. 

Older Audi models (B4, B5, B6, B7)

• The battery is usually located in the engine compartment.
• It is typically situated under a plastic cover near the driver’s side of the vehicle. 

Why is the Audi battery in the trunk?

Audi puts the battery in the trunk primarily for weight distribution, to improve handling by balancing the heavy engine at the front. It also serves to protect the battery from the extreme heat of the engine bay, which extends its lifespan. Finally, this is also a solution to packaging challenges, as modern engine compartments are often crowded with other equipment.
 
This video explains why the battery is located in the trunk and how to replace it: 56sFCP EuroYouTube · Jun 3, 2025
Benefits of a trunk-mounted battery

• Weight distribution: Moving the heavy battery to the rear of the car helps create a more balanced weight distribution, which is especially beneficial for high-performance and all-wheel-drive vehicles. 
• Heat protection: The trunk is cooler than the engine bay, which protects the battery from high temperatures that can shorten its lifespan. 
• Packaging and space: As cars become more complex with more electronic components, the engine bay is often a very crowded space. Relocating the battery provides more room for other equipment under the hood. 
• Reduced vibration: Moving the battery away from the engine also protects it from constant engine vibrations, which can lead to internal damage over time. 

Where to put jumper cables on Audi Q5?

And then you will never start the car again because you’re going to fry the engine. Computer you’re going to fry every electronic in there if you reverse the polarities.

Where is the battery in a Q5?

Well you go over here under the hood. And there’s no battery. Because most of the time the German guys love to do things extreme. And sometimes for a good cause the battery is in the back.