Where the Battery Is Located in the Audi S5

In most modern Audi S5 models, the main 12‑volt battery is located in the trunk (boot), beneath the trunk floor panel on the right-hand side, rather than in the engine bay. The exact access layout can vary slightly by model year and body style, but for the B8, B8.5, and B9 Audi S5 generations sold in recent years, you will almost always find the battery at the rear of the vehicle under a removable cargo floor cover.

Understanding the Audi S5 Battery Location

The Audi S5, whether in coupe, Sportback, or Cabriolet form, follows a design trend common in many premium German cars: relocating the battery from the engine compartment to the rear of the vehicle. This design choice helps improve weight distribution, packaging, and crash safety. For owners who need to jump-start the car, replace the battery, or connect a trickle charger, knowing the precise battery location — and how to access it safely — is essential.

Battery Location by Generation and Body Style

B8 and B8.5 Audi S5 (Approx. 2008–2016)

On the B8 and B8.5 S5 (including the early V8 and later V6T models), Audi placed the main battery in the trunk, with access from above through the cargo floor. While there are slight trim differences between coupe, Cabriolet, and Sportback variants, the core layout is consistent.

The following list outlines where you will typically find the battery in B8/B8.5 S5 models by body style and how it is situated.

• S5 Coupe (B8/B8.5): In the trunk, under the rear cargo floor panel, generally on the right-hand side. Lift the carpeted floor cover; the battery is recessed in a compartment near the wheel arch.
• S5 Sportback (where available, B8.5-era markets): In the trunk beneath the flat cargo floor, again usually toward the right side. The battery sits in a well under a removable panel, partially covered by trim.
• S5 Cabriolet: In the trunk, underneath the floor panel. Space constraints from the convertible top mechanism mean the battery is often offset slightly, but access is still from the top by lifting the trunk floor cover.
• Engine bay layout: Under the hood, you will typically not see a conventional battery; instead, you may find dedicated jump-start posts (positive terminal under a plastic cover and a designated ground point) to avoid opening the trunk for jump-starting.

In all B8 and B8.5 versions, owners should expect to access the actual battery through the trunk rather than the engine bay, even though Audi often provides front-mounted jump posts for convenience and safety.

B9 and B9.5 Audi S5 (Approx. 2017–Present)

The current-generation B9/B9.5 Audi S5 — including the S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, and S5 Cabriolet — continues the same fundamental battery placement strategy, again emphasizing balance and packaging efficiency.

The following list summarizes the battery location in the B9/B9.5 S5 range and how it relates to everyday owner access.

• S5 Coupe (B9/B9.5): The 12‑volt battery is mounted in the trunk, beneath the luggage compartment floor on the right-hand side. Lift the carpeted floor panel; a molded tray or cover reveals the battery compartment.
• S5 Sportback: The primary battery is located under the rear cargo floor, typically offset toward the right rear corner. The flat-load floor hinges or lifts out, exposing the battery and associated electronics modules.
• S5 Cabriolet: Again, the battery sits under the trunk floor, accessible by lifting up the floor covering. The packaging may be tighter because of the roof mechanism, but access is still designed for dealer and owner service.
• Jump-start points in engine bay: The engine compartment includes clearly marked jump-start terminals, allowing external power connection without direct access to the rear battery. A red plastic cap often covers the positive post, with a designated ground lug nearby.

The B9 and B9.5 S5 lineup therefore maintains a consistent rear-mounted battery layout, with the trunk floor serving as your primary point of access, while under-hood posts handle most jump-start needs.

Step-by-Step: How to Access the Battery in an Audi S5

Although the exact trim and fasteners differ slightly by year, accessing the battery in an Audi S5 generally follows the same logical sequence: open the trunk, clear the cargo floor, and lift the panel that conceals the battery compartment.

The following ordered list explains the typical procedure for reaching the battery safely in most Audi S5 models.

1. Open the trunk: Unlock the car and open the trunk using the key fob, the exterior release button, or the interior switch.
2. Remove or fold back trunk mats: Take out any rubber or carpeted cargo mats that sit on top of the trunk floor to expose the main floor panel.
3. Lift the trunk floor panel: Grasp the pull tab or handle in the floor panel. Lift it upward; some versions have a prop or hook that lets you secure it to the trunk opening for hands-free access.
4. Locate the battery compartment: On most S5s, you’ll see the battery recessed in a molded tray or under a secondary plastic cover on the right-hand side, near the wheel arch or side wall.
5. Remove any protective cover: If a plastic or foam cover is present over the battery, lift or unclip it carefully to reveal the terminals and hold-down clamp.
6. Disconnect safely (if needed): When disconnecting, remove the negative (−) terminal first, then the positive (+). When reconnecting, do the reverse. Use the correct socket/wrench size and avoid shorting the terminals to bodywork.
7. Reassemble the trunk area: Once finished, refit any covers, lower the floor panel, and replace the mats or cargo liners.

Following these steps allows most owners to reach the battery without disturbing other trim components, though care is required to avoid damaging clips or over-tightening fasteners during reassembly.

Why Audi Puts the S5 Battery in the Trunk

The rear-mounted battery is not accidental; it reflects deliberate engineering choices that benefit performance, space efficiency, and crash safety. Understanding these reasons can help owners appreciate why the battery is not immediately visible when they open the hood.

The following points outline the principal reasons Audi positions the S5 battery in the trunk instead of the engine bay.

• Improved weight distribution: Moving a heavy battery to the rear helps counterbalance the engine’s weight at the front, aiding handling stability and cornering behavior.
• Thermal management: Keeping the battery away from engine heat can extend battery life and improve reliability, especially in performance vehicles driven harder than average.
• Packaging and component layout: Modern engines and emissions systems occupy much of the engine bay space. Placing the battery in the trunk frees room for intake, cooling, and electronic modules up front.
• Crash safety and structure: Rear mounting can allow more controlled packaging within reinforced body structures, reducing damage risk in a front-end collision.
• Electrical architecture: With multiple control units and comfort features throughout the car, the battery can be integrated with power distribution modules positioned centrally or rearward.

These factors, taken together, make the trunk a logical home for the battery in the Audi S5, aligning practicality with the performance character of the car.

Jump-Starting and Charging Considerations

Because the Audi S5’s battery sits in the trunk, Audi often expects owners and technicians to use specific front-mounted points for jump-starting or external charging, particularly on newer models with sensitive electronics and start-stop or mild-hybrid systems.

The following list highlights practical points to remember when providing external power to an Audi S5.

• Use under-hood jump posts when available: On most S5 models, the official procedure is to connect jumper cables or a booster pack to the positive post under the hood and a designated ground point, not directly to the trunk battery.
• Observe correct polarity and sequence: Connect positive-to-positive first, then negative-to-ground. Disconnect in the reverse order to reduce the risk of sparks near the battery.
• Smart chargers and battery management: Many newer S5s use battery management systems (BMS). When using a charger, follow the owner’s manual recommendations and, if possible, charge via the approved connection points.
• Battery registration after replacement: On some recent models, replacing the battery may require coding or “registration” via diagnostic tools so that the car’s energy management system can adapt to the new battery characteristics.
• Ventilation and safety: Ensure any external charger leads are routed so the trunk can close gently without crushing the cables, and avoid creating ignition sources near exposed battery gases.

By adhering to these guidelines, owners can reduce the risk of electrical damage and ensure that the Audi S5’s complex electronics remain properly calibrated and protected.

Model-Year Variations and How to Confirm Your Battery’s Location

While the trunk-mounted configuration is consistent across recent generations, minor differences in layout, covers, and access points can still exist between markets, trims, and model years, particularly in vehicles with additional audio equipment, spare wheel arrangements, or mild-hybrid hardware.

The following recommendations explain how to verify the exact configuration on your specific Audi S5.

• Consult the owner’s manual: The “Fuses and batteries” or “Vehicle care” section typically includes diagrams showing the precise battery location and any jump-start posts.
• Check the trunk floor panels: If in doubt, gently lift the trunk floor coverings to look for a recessed battery tray or additional access panel, usually toward the right rear side.
• Look for labels and icons: Many models have battery or high-voltage warning symbols on the trunk floor or plastic covers that indicate what lies beneath.
• Inspect the engine bay: Under-hood, you may find dedicated positive terminals and ground points with red caps or battery symbols, confirming that the main battery is elsewhere.
• Ask a dealer or technician: For cars with unusual options or modifications, a dealership or qualified independent specialist can quickly confirm layout and best access practices.

These checks provide a reliable way to confirm that your S5 follows the standard trunk-mounted battery layout and help you understand any unique trim or equipment variations.

Summary

The Audi S5’s main 12‑volt battery is almost always located in the trunk, under the rear cargo floor and typically on the right-hand side, across both B8/B8.5 and B9/B9.5 generations and all major body styles. Audi uses this rear-mounted position to improve weight distribution, free up space in the engine bay, and protect the battery from heat and collision forces. Owners access the battery by lifting the trunk floor panel and, where present, any additional covers, while jump-starting and charging are often designed to be performed from dedicated posts in the engine bay. For the exact layout on a specific car, the owner’s manual and a quick inspection of the trunk floor and under-hood connection points remain the most reliable guides.

Are Audi batteries in the trunk?

So what we do lift this up. This little store storage bin. And then under here. And by the way this is where the jack is if you wanted to know that. Come on my hands are like Oh here we go.

What year to avoid Audi S5?

Years to be cautious with the Audi S5 include 2009-2012 due to common carbon buildup and timing chain issues, and 2013 because it still had some kinks to be ironed out, despite improvements over earlier models. Models from 2009-2017 (B8/B8.5) are more prone to some expensive problems like the plastic coolant parts, while later models (2020+) may have had some reported declines in build quality for some owners. 
This video discusses the Audi S5 models with issues and provides advice before buying: 1mSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Jan 5, 2025
Years with significant issues

• 2009–2012: These models are known for carbon buildup on intake valves and premature timing chain tensioner wear. 
• 2013: Although it saw improvements over earlier years, it still had some lingering issues. 
• 2009–2017 (B8/B8.5): This generation is more prone to problems with the plastic coolant components, like the water pump and thermostat housing, which can fail over time. 

Other considerations

• 2020 and newer: Some owners have reported a perceived decrease in build quality and interior finish in models from 2020 onwards, but this is subjective. 
• V8 models: The first-generation S5 (2008-2012) has the 4.2L V8, which can have its own set of issues, including oil consumption and timing chain problems on some engines. The 3.0T supercharged V6 in later B8/B8.5 models can also experience carbon buildup. 

This video highlights common issues in Audi S5 models from the B8 and B8.5 generation: 1mHigh Peak AutosYouTube · Feb 10, 2025
How to mitigate risk

• Carbon Cleaning: For any S5 with a TFSI engine, a carbon cleaning is a good maintenance item to perform periodically. 
• Premium Fuel: Using high-quality fuel can help prolong the life of the injectors. 
• Coolant System: Pay close attention to the coolant system and be prepared to replace the plastic parts with more durable alternatives if necessary. 

Where is the battery in a 2015 Audi S5?

So if you open the trunk we already have it open. And you open the trim under here you lift this up. And right there is the battery hidden battery so it’s in the spare tire well there.

Where is the battery located in the Audi A5?

Here it’s in the trunk underneath the spare wheel. This is the carpet just lift that right up this is the spare wheel just spin that off lift up the spare wheel. And then your battery is right.