Where Is the Battery on an Audi A6?

The main 12‑volt battery on most modern Audi A6 models is located in the trunk (boot), typically on the right-hand side beneath a trim panel or under the trunk floor near the spare wheel area; on some older A6 generations, it is located in the engine bay. The exact position depends on the model year, body style, and engine, but owners will usually find it either under a side cover in the luggage compartment or adjacent to the spare tire well.

Why the Battery Location Varies by Model Year

The Audi A6 has been in production for several generations, and Audi has changed the battery placement to balance weight distribution, free up space in the engine bay, and protect the battery from heat. As a result, where you find the battery on an A6 today is often different from where it was on earlier models, even though the function remains the same.

Battery Location by Audi A6 Generation

Understanding which generation your A6 belongs to is the quickest way to narrow down where the battery is hiding. Below is an overview by generation and typical market year ranges.

• C4 Audi A6 (approx. 1994–1997): Battery usually in the engine bay, near the firewall or one of the front corners, depending on engine variant.
• C5 Audi A6 (approx. 1997–2004): Generally in the engine bay; however, certain markets and engines may have different placements, so visual inspection under the hood is recommended.
• C6 Audi A6 (approx. 2004–2011): Commonly relocated to the trunk, typically under the trunk floor or to the right side behind a removable panel; some early or specific configurations may still feature an engine-bay battery.
• C7 Audi A6 (approx. 2011–2018): Largely standardized in the trunk area—often under the cargo floor, near or around the spare wheel, or behind the right-hand side trim cover.
• C8 Audi A6 (2018–present): Primarily in the trunk, typically integrated into the right-hand side or under the trunk floor. Mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants may feature additional batteries (such as a 48‑volt system and high-voltage pack) in different locations.

In practice, this means that owners of newer A6 models should start their search in the trunk, while drivers of older vehicles will typically find the battery under the hood, where it is visible near the engine and other service points.

Typical Battery Placement in Recent Audi A6 Models

Trunk (Boot) Location

On most C6, C7, and C8 Audi A6 models, the main 12‑volt battery is not visible at first glance when you open the trunk. Instead, it is tucked away under panels to protect it from damage and to keep the luggage area tidy.

• Under the trunk floor panel: Lift the main floor cover where you would access the spare tire or tire repair kit. The battery may be mounted in a well near the spare wheel, often secured with a bracket and partially covered.
• Right-hand side trim panel: In many sedans and Avants (wagons), the battery is positioned behind a removable right-side panel. Look for a small access door or a clip-on carpeted panel on the right inner wall of the trunk.
• Secured in a battery tray: Once exposed, the battery will typically sit in a metal or plastic tray, with hold-down clamps and clear positive/negative terminal markings. Some models may have a plastic cover over the positive terminal for safety.
• Ventilation and wiring: Since trunk-mounted batteries often use venting, you may see a small tube attached to the battery case and substantial wiring leading towards the front of the vehicle.

These trunk configurations are designed to protect the battery and improve vehicle balance, so owners must remove one or more panels to access it, but once exposed, the battery is straightforward to identify.

Engine Bay Location (Primarily Older Models)

Owners of earlier Audi A6 models, especially C4 and many C5 cars, should still look in the engine compartment first, where the layout follows more traditional designs.

• Near the firewall or bulkhead: The battery may be mounted close to the base of the windshield area, either centrally or slightly offset to one side, often under a plastic cover for weather protection.
• Front corner of the engine bay: In some configurations, the battery sits in the front left or right corner near the headlamp assembly, attached to a tray and clearly visible upon opening the hood.
• Under plastic cowling panels: Some variants hide the battery beneath a large plastic cowl cover running under the windshield wipers, requiring removal of a cover or trim clips to access it.

While engine-bay access can sometimes involve removing covers, the battery is usually more obvious and requires less interior disassembly than trunk-mounted designs.

Additional Batteries: Start–Stop, Mild-Hybrid, and Plug-in Models

Modern Audi A6 variants can feature more than one battery, particularly those equipped with start–stop systems, mild-hybrid technologies, or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. In those vehicles, “Where is the battery?” can have more than one correct answer depending on which battery is being referenced.

12‑Volt Auxiliary or Support Batteries

On some models with advanced electrical loads or start–stop systems, Audi may include an auxiliary 12‑volt battery in addition to the main one.

• Auxiliary battery in trunk or cabin: Often located near the main trunk battery or tucked behind interior panels, this smaller unit can support electronics, comfort systems, or start–stop functionality.
• Same service precautions: Even auxiliary units should be treated as full automotive batteries when disconnecting or replacing, due to their role in the electrical system.

Drivers may never interact with these smaller batteries directly, but technicians will be aware of them when diagnosing electrical issues or replacing components.

48‑Volt Mild-Hybrid Battery (C8 A6 and Similar)

The latest-generation A6 with mild-hybrid systems often carries a 48‑volt battery, which is separate from the standard 12‑volt unit and used to power the belt-driven starter-generator and support energy recuperation.

• Usually mounted under the trunk floor: In many C8 A6 mild-hybrid models, the 48‑volt battery pack is housed under or near the trunk floor, separate from the main 12‑volt battery, and firmly encased.
• Special handling required: The 48‑volt system carries more risk than standard 12‑volt, so Audi recommends that only trained personnel service or disconnect it.

For routine owner tasks such as jump-starting, the important unit is still the conventional 12‑volt battery, even though the car may also have a 48‑volt pack.

High-Voltage Batteries in Plug-in Hybrid (TFSI e) Models

Plug-in hybrid Audi A6 TFSI e versions add high-voltage battery packs that power the electric motor. These are completely distinct from the 12‑volt starting battery.

• High-voltage pack under the floor or rear section: Typically mounted under the rear floor or integrated into the chassis under the rear seats or trunk, enclosed in a sealed casing.
• Not owner-serviceable: High-voltage components are clearly labeled with warning symbols and should never be handled by untrained individuals.

While these larger battery packs define the hybrid system, the answer to “where is the battery” for everyday tasks like jump-starting or replacing a dead battery still refers to the 12‑volt unit, usually in the trunk.

How to Confirm the Battery Location on Your Specific Audi A6

Because there are year-to-year and market variations, the most reliable way to confirm the exact battery location on your own A6 is to cross-check a few sources and physical clues.

• Owner’s manual: The maintenance or technical section includes diagrams that show the primary battery location and access procedure for your exact model year and configuration.
• Vehicle identification: Identifying the generation (C4, C5, C6, C7, C8) and production year via the registration document or VIN helps match your car to known layout patterns.
• Visual inspection of trunk and engine bay: Open the trunk, lift the floor, and check side panels; if nothing is visible, then inspect under the hood, especially under plastic cowl covers, for a battery or main power distribution block.
• Look for jump-start terminals: On many trunk-battery cars, Audi provides dedicated positive and negative posts in the engine bay for jump-starting, which can indirectly confirm that the main 12‑volt unit is located in the rear.

This combination of documentation and quick checks usually pinpoints the battery’s location in a few minutes without any need for tools or advanced knowledge.

Access and Safety Considerations

Once you have located the battery on your Audi A6, access often involves removing trim panels or covers, and it is essential to observe safety precautions, especially on vehicles with multiple battery systems.

• Disconnect sequence: When removing a 12‑volt battery, disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last to reduce the risk of short circuits.
• Use appropriate tools: Battery terminals usually require a 10 mm or similar spanner, and hold-down brackets may need a socket and extension; avoid prying on plastic trim with metal tools that can crack panels.
• Preserving vehicle settings: Disconnecting the battery can reset clocks, window pinch protection, and infotainment settings; some owners use a memory saver device, but these should be used carefully and according to manufacturer guidance.
• High-voltage and 48‑volt caution: On hybrids and mild hybrids, leave anything labeled for high voltage or 48‑volt systems to professionals, as incorrect handling can be dangerous.

With correct tools and basic precautions, accessing the main 12‑volt battery in the trunk or engine bay is manageable for many owners, but hybrid and advanced electrical systems justify professional assistance.

Summary

On the Audi A6, the main 12‑volt battery is typically in the trunk on modern generations (C6, C7, C8), usually under the trunk floor near the spare wheel or behind the right-hand trim panel, while older models (C4, many C5) usually house the battery in the engine bay near the firewall or front corners. Newer A6 variants may also carry additional batteries, including 48‑volt mild-hybrid units and high-voltage packs in plug-in hybrids, but for routine needs such as jump-starting or replacement, owners will be dealing with the conventional 12‑volt battery. Checking the owner’s manual, inspecting the trunk area and engine compartment, and being aware of multiple-battery setups are the most reliable ways to locate and safely access the battery on any specific Audi A6.

Is the Audi battery 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.

How to jump start an Audi A6?

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 located on an Audi?

The Audi battery is most commonly located in the trunk under the spare tire, accessed by lifting the carpeted floor, removing the spare tire, and then taking out a plastic cover. For some models, like the Q7, the battery is under the front driver’s seat. On very rare occasions, it could be under the hood in an older model. If the battery is dead and won’t open the trunk, use the designated jump start terminals in the engine bay.
 
This video shows the Audi A4 battery location in the trunk: 42sIrixGuy’s Adventure ChannelYouTube · Dec 2, 2021
For most Audis (A4, A5, A8, S5, etc.)

1. Open the trunk: Use the key fob or the button on the driver’s door panel to open the trunk. If the battery is completely dead, you will need to use the jump-start points in the engine bay to open the trunk first (see below). 
2. Access the spare tire: Lift the trunk’s carpeted floor mat to reveal the spare tire. 
3. Remove the spare tire: Unscrew the central nut holding the spare tire in place and lift it out of the trunk. 
4. Locate the battery: The battery will now be visible underneath where the spare tire was. There may be a plastic cover or other components to remove before you can get to the battery itself. 

For Audi Q7

• The battery is located under the front driver’s seat. 
• You may need to open a compartment or lift a panel to access it. 

If the battery is dead and the trunk won’t open

• You can use the jump-start terminals under the hood.
• Open the hood and locate the positive (+) terminal, which is often under a red cover marked with a ‘+’ symbol.
• Find a good ground point on the engine or body (an unpainted metal surface).
• Follow proper jump-starting procedures, connecting the positive and negative terminals correctly, to give the battery enough power to open the trunk. 

This video explains how to jump-start an Audi with a dead battery: 46sXcelerateYouTube · Aug 17, 2024

Where is the battery on the Audi A6 2019?

The 2019 Audi A6 battery is located in the trunk, underneath the floor mat and the spare tire. To access it, you will need to open the trunk, lift the floor covering, remove the spare tire, and then unscrew and remove the plastic molding and metal brace to get to the battery.
 
This video demonstrates how to access the battery in the trunk of an Audi A6: 58sSemper Fi MechanicYouTube · Jan 12, 2025

• Open the trunk and lift the floor mat. 
• Remove the spare tire and the plastic molding below it. 
• Locate the metal brace holding the battery in place and unscrew it. 
• Disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive, to avoid sparks.