Magnolia brunnescens is described and illustrated as a new species. This taxon belongs to Magnolia sect. Manglietia and is similar to M. dandyi, but differs from the latter by its brown-tomentose indument in buds, twigs, stipules, petioles and peduncles, elliptic-ovoid vegetative buds ca. 1.0 cm long, adaxially villous leaf blades, apically semi-orbicular anthers and sparsely villous carpels. A line illustration, photograph image and an estimate of preliminary conservation status for the new species are provided.