This paper presents a multi-objective optimal design process for an in-wheel permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) for high performance. In order to improve the characteristics of the PMSM such as the cogging torque, torque ripple and the back-EMF, the modified Taguchi method and the response surface method (RSM) are utilized. In addition, results of the proposed model are compared with the initial design and it is verified by 2D FEM.