The main of the present study is to investigate the effects of process parameters (cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut) on performance characteristics (tool life, surface roughness and cutting forces) in finish hard turning of AISI 52100 bearing steel with CBN tool. Thecutting forces and surface roughness are measured at the end of useful tool life. The combined effects of the process parameters on performance characteristics are investigated using ANOVA. The composite desirability optimization technique associated with the RSMquadratic models is used as multi-objective optimization approach. The results show that feed rate and cutting speed strongly influencesurface roughness and tool life. However, the depth of cut exhibits maximum influence on cutting forces. The proposed experimental andstatistical approaches bring reliable methodologies to model, to optimize and to improve the hard turning process. They can be extendedefficiently to study other machining processes.