So I pulled the trigger and am having the dealership install the hitch in March. After a back and forth round of emails they confirmed that they could cut the rear panel close to the hitch without exposing the electrical hookup, as desired, making a clean rear bumper. If needed I can remove the small panel to hook up electrical (not expected anytime soon). I'll post pictures when done.

 

Hi Dex,

Can you please send me a PM with what your dealer estimated in terms of $$ to get that hitch installed. + the price of the hitch itself

Thank you in advance

Michel

 

PM sent

 

So I finally had the hitch installed today. Kudos to the guys And girls at Audi Ste-Foy for getting it right as there were many small details including cutting a smaller opening than that proposed by the grooves on the rear side of the panel and filing off the plastic "finger pull" from the electronics socket cap so the panel would fit back on (see Myles' link for full details). It took a total of 3-4 hours of work and the guys really got into it. End-result avoids having a wide cut to the left of the hitch to expose the electronics socket; that cut would hack right into the gray "finn" and makes for a less refined look (imo of course). If I ever want to plug something into socket then I simply remove the panel (2 screws). See pictures below.

 

Nice job! But pleae remove the Audi Ste-Foy sticker

 

Very clean install! Nice job.