In this paper, the problem of efficiency optimization in vector-controlled interior permanent-magnet (PM) synchronous motor drives is investigated. A loss model controller is introduced that determines the optimal d-axis component of the stator current that minimizes power losses. For the implementation of the suggested controller, the knowledge of the loss model is not required since an experimental procedure is followed to determine its parameters. Furthermore, it is shown that the loss model of the interior PM motor can be used as a basis for deriving loss minimization conditions for surface PM synchronous motors and synchronous reluctance motors as well. Experimental results of an interior PM motor are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method and demonstrate the operational improvements.