Are Bosch Car Batteries Any Good? Here’s My Honest Reviews…

Bosch has proven why they remain one of the top car battery manufacturers in the world. It offers an entire slew of premium car batteries designed for vehicles of all types. All of the car batteries produced by the company come equipped with industry-leading components that deliver sustained power for a long time.

Personally, I think the S6508B S6 Flat Plate AGM Battery is the best out of all the available car batteries from the brand. Mainly because it encompasses all the pinnacle of what Bosch is able to achieve through their precision manufacturing and dedication to quality products.

To learn more about their batteries and how to choose the right one for your vehicle, continue reading.

Top 3 Best Bosch Automotive Batteries Comparisons

Batteries by Bosch are designed to provide your car with optimized power and performance in virtually all conditions. It goes out of its way to manufacture car batteries that are compatible with cutting-edge technology in many new vehicles being released.

These car batteries are optimized for start/stop operations, so you can rest assured you’ll receive sustained power from your battery no matter what.

Here are my top picks for the best car batteries available.

1. Bosch S6508B S6 Flat Plate AGM Battery

The S6508B S6 Flat Plate AGM Battery boasts a 2x longer lifespan than traditional batteries. It also provides sustained power on trips of all lengths, including short trips or trips that involve a lot of stop-and-go traffic. Of course, as stated in the name, the battery packs AGM technology, which has many benefits.

For one, AGM batteries have high vibration resistance, so they can resist more corrosion and damage than most conventional batteries. These batteries also charge more than 5x quicker than standard battery models. Just in case you’re wondering what AGM stands for, it means absorbent Glass Mat technology.

Though not as lightweight as I’d like it to be, the battery clocks at 47 lbs which is not bad for a high-performance battery. Another reason why I suggest this battery is the high cold-cranking amps. A 710 CCA is not bad when you are in a place where the climate dips below freezing in winter.

You also get free roadside assistance with every new purchase of an AGM battery, which is something you don’t see often. The S6508B S6 Flat Plate AGM Battery is a powerful option for those that need reliability and efficiency in one convenient package.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Efficient power utilization
  • Robust compatibility
  • AGM technology
  • Faster recharging than conventional batteries
  • Advanced design elements

Cons:

  • Really only for high-performance vehicles
  • Can be costly

2. Bosch Premium Performance 35-640B Car Battery

The premium performance 35-640B Car battery has removable caps, which makes maintenance super easy. This battery also has a CCA rating of 640, so you can rest assured you’ll be able to stay mobile in virtually any weather. The premium performance battery also comes with handles that make transporting the battery very easy.

While not equipped with AGM technology, the 35-640B battery is still a very capable and powerful option for many vehicle owners.

Pros:

  • High-weather resistance
  • Great starting power
  • Durable build quality
  • Can be easily moved
  • Easy maintenance set-up

Cons:

  • Limited availability

3. Bosch S5 Battery

The S5 battery is compatible with various upscale car models and makes in addition to several imported vehicle brands. The S5 is entirely maintenance-free, so you don’t have to worry about continually filling it up with water. The tops on the S5 battery are flushed, which helps reduce the odds of acid leaking from your battery.

The S5 complies with OEM replacement standards and regulations. So, you can be confident in its quality when installing it in your vehicle. It’s high-temperature resistance and comes with free roadside assistance with every new purchase.

If you’re looking for a reliable replacement car battery that will last a long time, the S5 is a great choice.

Pros:

  • OEM manufacturer compliant
  • High resistance to damaged caused by higher temperatures
  • Maintenance-free design
  • Compatible with various upper-class car brands

Cons:

  • Not made for regular vehicles

About the Brand

Originally a German company, Bosch is headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany. Founded in 1886, they offer their services in four main sectors namely, consumer goods, industrial technology, energy and building technology, and mobility solutions.

The brand has been manufacturing batteries since the early 1900s and continuing since then. They have quite a vast selection of batteries not just for automotive but also for commercial vehicles, lawnmowers, two-wheelers, etc.

When it comes to car batteries which is what we need, the brand has four variants:

  • S6 High-Performance AGM Batteries: The only AGM battery in the line-up, the S6 series ensures that the battery handles all the demands placed on it with high efficiency and safety. 100% maintenance-free and leak-free, the battery is also 30% more deep cycles than its rivals. It has a 3-year warranty and also a pro-rata warranty beyond that. Owning this battery ensures its famous roadside assistance program.
  • S5 Batteries: One of the more popular lead-acid battery lines and sought after by most automobile owners. It can handle high power requirements for any premium cars and also any demand placed on it even in extreme cold and hot weather. A 3-year warranty with free replacements, a pro-rata warranty beyond that, and an assistance program seals the deal.
  • S4 Batteries: A lead-acid battery suitable for most mid-sized cars in the market and their electrical needs. You can depend on it to power most applications and is also free from any maintenance. It comes with a 2-year free replacement warranty with pro-rata and also a free roadside assistance program.
  • S3 Batteries: A basic starting battery for older cars with minimal electrical requirements. Also maintenance-free with a 1-year warranty for a free replacement. This doesn’t in any way affect its cranking amps and reserve minutes.

Bosch Car Battery Overview

Firstly, when buying a new car battery, you can rest easy knowing you’re choosing a highly reliable and widely used battery that will provide your car with immense power. Regardless of the specific type, you get. People have a common question when buying one of these: “Who makes Bosch car batteries?” the answer to that question is Exide Technologies.

Exide Technologies has operations set-up in over 80 countries and is currently the world’s largest lead-acid batteries producer. If you’re wondering, “who sells Bosch car batteries?” it’s quite simple. You can find these batteries at several automotive parts shops like Advanced Auto Parts or AutoZone.

The Bosch car battery warranty varies depending on the type of battery you purchase. But, they tend to range between 2-4 years. The warranty covers any and all manufacturer defects but not any malicious damage caused by you.

People also commonly ask about the Bosch car battery price. That depends on the specific model of battery you purchase again. Typically, car batteries from this brand cost about $100-$200.

It has a lot of competition in the car battery industry. Notably, there are three leading competing brands customers often compare car batteries to.

When it comes to all of these different brands, the final decision really comes down to the type of car you have. Each brand offers car batteries designed to meet the needs of certain types of vehicles.

Bosch vs. Interstate Battery

Made by different manufacturers, both these brands offer their consumers a high-quality battery, though Bosch tops with its AGM line. To its advantage, Interstate batteries have 2 AGM lines with their competitor just one. Another fact I like about the latter is that it caters to hot climates and cold climates separately with their MT and MTP lines. Both of them have lead-acid batteries for the everyday car.

Bosch AGM vs. Optima

Bosch batteries have both lead-acid and AGM variants while Optima is entirely comprised of AGM batteries. So, I feel that the former is at a disadvantage when compared with Optima. But to its disadvantage, the latter is pricey and might not be the option of a budget-minded person. Added to its advantage, is the roadside assistance program of the former.

Bosch vs. Duralast Battery

If looking for a serious contender, Duralast can compete with the brand in terms of battery and also price. The AGM batteries and the lead-acid batteries of both the brands have similar warranties and features with the former offering pro-rata which is not present in the latter.

Buying Guide for Bosch Batteries

Find the Right Fit

The first and foremost point to consider even before the specifications is the fit of the battery. While many batteries are advertised as a universal fit, it usually isn’t so. Not just the fit but also the position of the terminals also matter.

To help you with this, you could consult with your owner’s manual or your local auto parts store. Or you could make use of Bosch’s online battery finder on their website. With a few information like year, make, model, and trim details of your car, you can find the right battery or if you have the VIN number, the answer is just a click away.

Warranty

While the right conditions ensure that your battery lasts long, it is often not so. Hence choosing a battery with a good warranty becomes important. Experts suggest that the battery you choose should have a minimum of 2 years unless you go for an economic version and it is not worth even then.

With Bosch, except the S3 version which is modeled for older cars, the rest fits the bill perfectly. The S5 and S6 AGM have a 3-year warranty with pro-rata and S4 has a 2-year warranty with no pro-rata.

Power Requirements

Coming to specifications, the power requirements of your car, and the climatic conditions of the place you reside in matters quite a lot. You do not want to be caught in a cold-weather condition with your battery dead. The CCA and CA are the two factors that matter a lot here.

While CCA or Cold-Cranking Amps depict the energy required to start the car in freezing conditions. CA or Cranking Amps shows the energy needed in hot to moderate climate. What I like about Bosch is that their AGM battery and lead-acid lines both have batteries with good CCA and CA although it depends on you to research for the right battery.

The S3 has a minimum CCA of 390 and CA of 450, the S4 with 500 and 600 respectively, S5 480(CCA) and 575(CA), and S6 AGM with 710(CCA) and 850(CA). Choose one that suits the climate in your location and also the car’s requirements.

Reserve Capacity

Another major requirement to consider is the Reserve Capacity. It is what keeps your car going when your battery fails in the middle of nowhere.

High reserve capacity like those available in Bosch battery means your car can keep going for a few miles until you get to a safe place and replace your battery. While S6, S5, and S4 have good reserve capacity, my choice is the S5 and S6 variants.

Conclusion

Bosch, the German manufacturer is a serious contender for the best car battery brand in terms of specifications and robust construction. The brand makes its batteries in four lines, S3, S4, S5, and S6 AGM. Apart from S6, the other variants are lead-acid batteries.

The best battery in my opinion is the S6508B S6 Flat Plate AGM Battery which has a 710 CCA and 120 Reserve Capacity. The others are not too far behind but are lead-acid batteries.

Read the buying guide for more details on the brand to make an educated decision on the battery.