Like creating another piece of fine crystal, Lexus has crafted an all-new IS sport sedan that satisfies the American car buyer’s belief that bigger is better. The three models - IS 250, IS 250 AWD and IS 350 - have a broader stance with 3 extra inches in width, 2.4 inches in the wheelbase and 3.5 inches in overall length, compared to 2005 models. Rear tread adds 1.9 inches to provide a muscular, yet sleek look that resembles the 2006 Lexus GS. The second-generation, entry-level, luxury sport sedan begins with the IS 250 and upgrades to the IS 250 all wheel drive, our test drive. Both use a 204 horsepower, 2.5-liter, V-6 engine. Top-of-the-line is the IS 350, which uses a 306 horsepower, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The IS challenges venerable competitors like Mercedes C Class, Audi A4, Volvo S60 and BMW 3 series. Our all-wheel drive is the perfect sedan for politicians; it’s quiet enough to hear a whisper. Visors are sound-absorbent, the windshield glass is acoustic and the A-pillar (first) and outside rearview mirror were designed to mitigate wind noise. Add special seals around doors and windows and underbody airflow management to reduce drag and the interior becomes quieter than a cathedral. Sharply defined Optitron dashboard gauges combine with leather and other quality surfaces to subtly say sophistication and style. Comfortable, bolstered front seats were heated/cooled. The $2,550 optional Navigation system was easy to use but had not been updated for the Charlotte area in the past three years because newer streets were missing. Safety features excel, with such standard items as front seat knee and twin-chamber airbags, tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights, vehicle stability and traction control and antilock brakes. An option is a Toyota/Lexus innovative pre-collision system that determines in advance if a collision is inevitable by using radar and measuring vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate. If it looks like a crash is about to occur, it will tighten seat belts and prepare brake assist to add extra stopping power once the brake pedal is depressed. Electric power steering, new front and rear suspension systems and the high-performance, low profile tires contribute to responsive and pleasurable handling. Paddles on the steering wheel can be used to manually shift gears, and with all-wheel drive, curves are hugged like a long-lost relative. Those with exquisite listening tastes can add a new 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system.