It actually harder when it’s under the hood.I had to lift the battery up over all the engine components and finagle it around awkwardly to its mounting position near the hood strut, Wouldve been easier if it was under the trunk floor or rear seat.

 

They are not. As I noted a few posts above yours, it's under the passenger footwell. Remove the floormat and a panel underneath it, and it's there in all its glory with a crap ton of space to work. When I finally get around to changing ours, it will be the easiest and cleanest battery replacement I've ever done in my life.

 

That's your car? Awesome!!! Yes those rims are mean.

 

I don't disagree but the public at large complains badly when it's anywhere else lol!

 

Only on current gen, all others are under the drivers seat

 

They appear to have done it differently depending on generation.

https://www.audiworld.com/how-tos/a/...battery-423785

 

Just watched a video on it. Not quite as easy on the 4L (1st gen) as it is on the 4M (2nd gen), but still doesn't look too bad. 90% of the steps in that DIY are unnecessary. The hinges in the seat rail mean you just remove the two front bolts and then tilt the whole thing back.

 

Interesting observation about the batteries being out of the elements. I hadn't really thought about that, but the GS and Tundra both needed their batteries changed pretty early on, and both are located in the engine bay. In the Highlander, the battery is tucked away in the rear cargo area, and it's still going strong after nearly 5 years.

 

Yessir, I have a thing for these cars!

 

Where are you? If anywhere close are there meets and stuff?

 

Having the battery under the seat is a poorly thought out design. I wonder what the Audi dealer book cost is for the replacement. The floor design in the second gen doesn't seem all that bad.

The majority of Toyota hybrids have their 12V batteries in the trunk. The first gen Prius 1997 had it out back there. I think your GS generation if you purchased the hybrid also has it back there.

 

Not really, it's hinged and less effort than many underhood changes. It's a very good design as it saves space, protects the battery, and keeps it cool.

Much better than a lot of engine bay mount setups I've have to deal with since there won't ever be a rusted or snapped bracket etc

 

We can disagree on that. it an awful location under a seat.

 

Definitely dumb.

The Dodge Avenger had the worst battery placement of all time.

 

No kidding
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Where? Can't wait.