An electric machine includes a rotor, a stator, and an air gap formed between a magnetic device of the rotor and the stator. For the selective setting of the air gap, movement devices implemented by piezoelectric stacks are provided on the rotor and/or on the stator. The movement devices may influence radial positions of the respective magnetic device and thus set the radial air gap width. It is thereby possible to exert open-loop and/or closed-loop control over a power or torque of the electric machine without adjusting stator currents. Vibration or unbalance of the rotor may also be counteracted quickly and effectively during operation of the machine.